Hojaldras (Dough Fritters)

Hojaldras are a typical dish made for Christmas. They are served as a snack for the "novenas" along with Buñuelos and Natilla. In some regions of Colombia they are also made only with salt and are eaten all year round as a snack. This recipe is for the sweet Hojaldras, they make a perfect dessert served with ice cream. If you want the salty version, just omit the sugar and orange zest, replace the orange juice for water and make them a bigger.

Makes 12 small hojaldras

1 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoonful butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1 orange (juice and zest)
1/4 cup icing sugar
Vegetable oil for frying

In a bowl ix the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and sugar, mix with a fork. Add the butter or margarine and incorporate with the fork. Add 3 tablespoons orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, add 1 tablespoon of water and mix vigorously with the fork until all ingredients are well incorporated. Using your hands work the dough, it will be a little sticky at the beginning, sprinkle a little flour if needed. Knead the dough for 3 minutes until having a soft and firm dough.

Form a ball and wrap it with plastic. Let it set for 15 minutes. Heat the oil in a heavy pot to 350 F.

Using a rolling pin, over a flour surface, roll it to 1/4 inch thickness and using a knife cut it into strips 1 inch wide, they can have different forms and sizes. Take each piece and roll it again to 1/8 thick. Take each piece with you hand and stretch it to the maximum without breaking it, place into the hot oil and fry for 1 1/2 minute until puffy and golden brown.

Drain over kitchen paper, Sprinkle icing sugar and serve.