How to Make Mexican Desserts

Sopaipillas are golden pillows of puff pastry that can be served as a dessert with honey or plain with soups. They are also ideal for finger foods.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbs. white cooking fat or margarine
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Oil, for deep frying
• Clear honey, for drizzling
• Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
• Creme fraiche or double (heavy) cream, to serve

Instructions

1. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Rub in the fat or margarine until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add water to form a dough. Wrap the dough in clear film (plastic wrap) and leave for 1 hour.

2. Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half to a square, keeping it as even and as thin as possible. Cut into 3-inch squares. Repeat with the other half. When both pieces of the dough have been rolled and cut, set the squares aside.

3. Heat the oil for deep frying to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), or until a cube of dried bread floats and turns golden after 1 minute. Add a few pastry squares, using tongs to push them down into the oil. Cook in batches until golden on both sides, turning them once, and drain on kitchen paper.

4. Cook all the sopaipillas. Then arrange on a serving plate, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve warm, with creme fraiche or heavy cream.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when putting the dough into the hot oil; it can cause the oil to splash.