Olive oil dough puffs

These cute little dough puffs were lovingly made by my mother and were the joy of the entire family. They were shallow fried to keep them light yet sooo delicious. Serve them with toasted walnuts, cinnamon, maple syrup (or honey) and your favorite fruit. 

Ingredients (serves 4)

- 3 cups flour

- 1/3 cup extra light olive oil + more for frying

- 1 cup warm water

- 1 teaspoon (organic) sugar

- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Dissolve the sugar into the cup of lukewarm (not hot!) water, add the yeast and allow to sit for the amount of time indicated on the packaging. Add the almond extract to the olive oil and reserve. In a large bowl, sift the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add about a third of the water and yeast mixture and start kneading using your hands. Alternate between the oil and the water until you reach a elastic consistency and the dough no longer sticks to your hands. You could use a stand mixer to form the dough, if available. Place the dough in a bowl, cover with a tea towel and allow to rise in a warm, draft free location, for an hour. In a nonstick pan, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. When the oil is very hot, take a little piece of dough at a time, form it into a little ball and flatten it down in the palm of your hands, the dough will rise slightly in the pan. Place the dough in the hot pan and cook, on low heat, for about 2 minutes on each side until it golden and crispy. Serve topped with toasted walnuts, cinnamon, maple syrup or honey, and fruit. Enjoy!