Picarones (Pumpkin Fritters)

Ingredients

• 1 package dry yeast
• ¼ cup lukewarm water
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 can (16-ounce) pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour
• Oil, for frying
• Maple syrup

Procedure

1. In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water and stir to dissolve.
2. Add the sugar, egg, pumpkin, and salt; combine thoroughly.
3. Add the flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough becomes too stiff to beat with a wooden spoon.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead in enough of the remaining flour to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers.
5. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).
6. Shape it into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and tear off pieces, shaping into doughnut-like rings, about 3 inches in diameter.
8. Heat about 1-inch of oil in a deep skillet and fry the fritters for about 5 minutes, turning them once, until crisp and golden brown.
9. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with warm maple syrup.

Makes 12 servings.

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