Sweet Traditions

Is there a tradition, a food or family recipe that is special for your family? Maybe it's a recipe you learned from your mom or grandma. Maybe it's a family game night or a road trip you take every year.

One of the sweet traditions of our family are buñuelos and hot cocoa on New Year's Eve. I learned how to make buñuelos from my mother-in-law. She didn't have a written recipe, but she patiently showed me how to make these wonderful treats. Over the years I have modified the recipe a little, but what I am going to share with you is basically the recipe she handed down to me.

Buñuelos

3 cups of flour, sifted 

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup milk

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

2 teaspoons salt

Sugar

Cinnamon

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Mix the eggs, milk, sugar and softened butter. Mix the sifted flour with the other dry ingredients. Add the milk and egg mixture and mix until all the flour is incorporated. If it is a little dry you can add a drop or two of milk. On a clean counter or silpat knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Do not skip this step it is important to the recipe. When the dough has rested you are ready to start rolling out the buñuelos and begin frying them. Roll them out paper thin.  They might tear a little but that's ok. 

 

Fry them over a medium high heat, preferably in a cast iron skillet; but if you don't have one then a good heavy bottomed one will do fine. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides. Sprinkle with a sugar and cinnamon mixture and place on paper towels to drain. Enjoy them warm with a cup of hot cocoa.