Churros

Ingredients:

For the churros:

  - 1 cup water

  - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  - 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  - 1/4 teaspoon salt

  - 1 cup all-purpose flour

  - 3 large eggs

  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

  - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For frying:

  - Vegetable oil (enough to fill a deep frying pan or pot to about 2 inches)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:

   - In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Make the Dough:

   - In a medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat.

   - Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1-2 minutes.

   - Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.

   - Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Heat the Oil:

   - In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top.

4. Pipe the Churros:

   - Fit a large piping bag with a star-shaped tip. Transfer the churro dough into the piping bag.

   - Pipe 4-6 inch lengths of dough directly into the hot oil, using kitchen scissors or a knife to cut the dough from the piping bag.

5. Fry the Churros:

   - Fry the churros in batches, turning them occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

   - Use a slotted spoon to transfer the churros to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

6. Coat the Churros:

   - While still warm, roll the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

7. Serve:

   - Serve the churros warm, with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping if desired.

Enjoy your homemade churros!