Pestiños De Azúcar Sugar Coated Pastries

During the festive season in Spain, it’s customary to gather with loved ones and indulge in delightful Christmas treats. One such traditional sweet that brings warmth and joy to holiday gatherings is the Pestiños De Azúcar, or Sugar Coated Pastries. These golden, flaky pastries are delicately flavored with hints of anise and citrus, making them a perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of sweet sherry. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays with family or simply want to infuse your home with the spirit of Christmas, these delicious treats are sure to delight your senses and transport you to the sunny streets of Spain. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s get baking!

###Pestiños De Azúcar Sugar Coated Pastries

####Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons anise seeds
– Zest of 1 orange
– ½ cup olive oil
– ½ cup dry white wine
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– Sprinkle of ground cinnamon (optional)

####Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, anise seeds, and orange zest. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

2. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the olive oil and dry white wine. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions and roll each one out into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Using a pastry cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into diamond shapes or rectangles.

5. In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). Carefully fry the pastries in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the fried pastries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

6. In a separate saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

7. While the syrup is still warm, dip the fried pastries into the honey mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the coated pastries on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow any excess syrup to drip off. If desired, sprinkle the pastries with a dusting of ground cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

Enjoy these delightful Pestiños De Azúcar with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine. The combination of crispy pastry and sweet, aromatic honey is sure to transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Spain, where each bite is a celebration of the holiday season. Share these treats with friends and family, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking and feliz Navidad!