Continuing the trend of pastries comes one of the most delicious and popular Portuguese confections there are, and it just happens to be my personal favorite. This dish is traditionally called “malassadas”, or Portuguese fried dough. They originated in the islands of Madeira, and have since become a staple of Portuguese sweets.

Ingredients:
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
6 eggs
6 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
2 cups white sugar

Directions:
1) Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/4 cup warm water; set aside.
2) In small bowl, beat eggs until thick.
3) Put flour in large bowl, making a well in the center. Into the well add yeast, eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter, milk, 1 cup water, and salt. Beat thoroughly to form a soft, smooth dough. Cover, let dough rise until doubled.
4) Heat oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Drop dough by big teaspoonfuls into oil, fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels, shake in a bag of sugar to coat, and serve hot.