Pestiños Honey Fried Pastries

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and combine it with the cinnamon, ground anise, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the white wine, orange juice, olive oil, water, and orange zest. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

4. After the resting time, divide the dough into small portions and roll each one out into a thin rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick).

5. Cut the dough into strips of about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Make a small slit lengthwise in the center of each strip.

6. Take one end of the strip and pass it through the slit, pulling gently to create a twisted shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough portions.

7. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Fry the twisted pastries in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

8. Once fried, remove the pastries from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

9. In a separate shallow dish, heat the honey until it becomes runny. Dip each pastry into the warm honey, ensuring it is coated all over. Place the honey-soaked pastries on a wire rack to cool and allow the excess honey to drip off.

10. Let the Pestiños rest for a few hours until the honey sets and the pastries have a glossy finish.

11. Serve these delightful treats on a festive platter and enjoy the sweet, aromatic flavors of Christmas!