Ingredients:

For the batter:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup of warm water
• 1 tsp of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1-1/4 cups of milk
• 3-1/2 cups of flour
• Light vegetable oil for deep-frying

For the syrup:

• 2-1/2 cups sugar
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp of rose or orange water
• 1 stick of cinnamon

For the top:

• 1/2 cup of honey

Preparation:

Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a small bowl, stir until yeast is dissolved. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Place in a warm spot for about 20 minutes or until the mixture becomes frothy. While the yeast is activating, heat the 1 cup water and the milk until it is warm — not hot. Remove from heat. When the yeast mixture is ready, stir the milk mixture in to the yeast mixture.

Sift or whisk the flour into a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture to the flour, stirring constantly. Cover the bowl with a warm, damp cloth and set it in a warm place for one hour.

Make the syrup. Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar is dissolved. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in the rose water and orange flower water. Allow to cool. Cover and refrigerate.

After one hour, the dough should have risen and will be bubbly. Stir the dough until the bubbles are gone. Cover again with a warm, damp cloth and set it back in a warm place for one more hour.

Pour enough oil into a heavy saucepan or wok until the oil is at least 1-1/2″ deep or heat a deep fryer. Place over medium heat until the oil is hot but not smoking. Drop the dough into the hot oil in teaspoonfuls, making about four fritters at a time. When they become golden brown on one side, turn them over to brown on the other side. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.

When you are finished frying the fritters, dip each fritter into the cold syrup for few second.

Sprinkle honey over the fritters.

Serve hot .

Bon appetit!