Spanish Churros (with Recipe)

Churros without Chocolate
Image source:http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com

Churros are Spanish doughnuts, they are popular in France, The Philippines, and even in Latin America. They can be thin and knotted and sometimes long and thick plus this treat is best dipped in hot chocolate. Churros are made out of flour, salt and water, and some versions are made out of potato dough.

Churros with Chocolate
Image source:http://thumbs.dreamstime.com

Churros are fried, until they are golden brown. It's ridged surface is due to the shaped of a churrera's pipe. People around the world enjoy this treat because of it's rich and creamy goodness. Plus, the chocolate!
Surprisingly, churros are just made out of flour, water and salt and some versions are made from potato dough!

An unknown churrero :)
Image source:http://www.justabovesunset.com

A churro store on the street of Mexico
Image source:http://www.mexicowoods.com

There are also vendors around the world who sell these treats hot on the streets like in Colombia, Spain, and Venezuela. These vendors are called "churreros". It would be a nice sight to see an actual making of a churro. You would be able to see how he makes your churro. Nothing beats the simplest of everything right?

 By the way, churros are in demand during the morning.  Try it! It's a good treat to start your day!

If you want to try making it, I provided a simple recipe for you from Lisa Sierra. :)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• oil for frying
• several Tbsp granulated sugar to sprinkle or honey

Procedure:

Pour vegetable oil, such as canola or corn oil into a large heavy bottomed frying pan. Make sure there is about 2 inches of oil in the pan to cover the churros. There should be enough oil so that they float freely while frying. Set pan aside.

In a medium sauce pan, pour 1 cup water. Add oil, salt, sugar and stir. Bring water to a boil.

While waiting for water to boil, dry the cup used to measure the water and use it to measure flour, since it is necessary to have equal parts flour and water. Pour flour into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add baking powder and stir.

Once water boils, remove saucepan and begin heating oil in frying pan.

Slowly pour boiling water from saucepan into flour mixture - stirring constantly with a fork until it is a smooth dough without lumps.

Note: Dough should not be runny like a batter, but rather a sticky smooth dough.

Immediately spoon dough into a churrera (a large cookie press) or pastry bag.

Carefully squeeze dough into hot oil (350-375F degrees) and fry until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spatula or long-handled fork. Place on a paper towel to drain.

Once drained, cut into manageable lengths. Sprinkle with sugar or drizzle with honey and serve.

It's your choice if you want to serve it with good, melted, hot chocolate. Enjoy!:)