Cinnamon Churros

Ingredients

• 1
  cup water
• 1/3
  cup butter
• 2
  tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1/2
  teaspoon salt
• 1
  cup all-purpose flour
• 1
  egg
• 1/2
  teaspoon vanilla
• Vegetable oil for deep-fat frying
• 1/4
  cup granulated sugar
• 3/4
  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1
  recipe Mexican Chocolate Dipping Sauce (optional)

  Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to boiling over medium heat Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, beating well with a wooden spoon.

  2. Transfer mixture to a decorating bag fitted with a large star tip. Line a baking sheet waxed paper. Pipe 4x1-inch logs onto prepared baking sheet.

  3. Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep saucepan to 375 degrees F. Fry a few logs at a time in deep hot oil about 2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 300 degree F oven while cooking remaining churros.

  4. In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll warm churros in cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Serve warm. Makes about 20 churros.

  Mexican Chocolate Dipping Sauce

  Ingredients

  • 3/4
    cup semisweet chocolate pieces
  • 1/4
    cup butter
  • 1/2
    teaspoon ground pasilla or ancho chile pepper (if desired)
  • 1/4
    teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2/3
    cup granulated sugar
  • 1
    5 ounce can (2/3 cup) evaporated milk

  Directions

  in a heavy small saucepan combine semisweet chocolate pieces, butter, ground pasilla or ancho chile pepper (if desired), and cinnamon; cook and stir over medium heat until chocolate is melted. Add granulated sugar; gradually add evaporated milk, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Boil gently over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Serve warm sauce with warm with churros.