Loukoumades

Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of sugar and set aside for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add this mixture to the yeast along with the remaining water, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly to remove any lumps.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot for 30 minutes to allow the dough to rise.

After 30 minutes, mix the dough with a spatula, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare the syrup, ensuring it cools down before use. In a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Bring to a boil while stirring, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.

Heat oil in a pan until it’s hot but not smoking. To check if the oil is ready, test with a piece of dough: if it floats, the oil is hot enough; if it sinks, the oil is too cold.

To shape the loukoumades, wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a spoonful of dough using a tablespoon and use your fingers to slide it off into the hot oil. You can also use another spoon to help shape the dough into a ball as you drop it into the oil.

Fry the loukoumades in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3 minutes until golden brown.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the loukoumades to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Soak the loukoumades in the cooled syrup and place them on a plate.

Sprinkle with peanuts and cinnamon before serving. You can also drizzle with Nutella or add other toppings according to your preference. Enjoy!