Fried Pastry Rings

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring milk, butter, salt, and zest to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over high heat, stirring just until butter is melted, then reduce heat to moderate. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth and pulls away from side of pan, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until smooth.

   Step 2

   Heat 2 inches of oil in a 4-quart deep heavy pot (preferably a cast-iron Dutch oven) over moderately high heat until thermometer registers 360°F.

   Step 3

   Sift together sugar and cinnamon into a bowl.

   Step 4

   While oil is heating, roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls with dampened hands and put them on an oiled sheet of plastic wrap. Pick up a ball and make a hole in the middle with your thumb, then insert the handle of a wooden spoon in the hole. When oil reaches 360°F, carefully lower dough on handle into oil, then gently widen hole with a circular motion of spoon until dough rises to surface, about 30 seconds (don't worry if some break open). Remove spoon, leaving buñuelo cooking in oil, and repeat with 4 more balls. Fry, turning occasionally, until deep golden and cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain briefly on paper towels. Turn warm buñuelos in sugar mixture to coat.

   Step 5

   Form and fry more buñuelos, in batches of 5, in same manner.

2. Step 6

   • Available in Italian markets, specialty foods shops, and at Dean & DeLuca (877-826-9246).