Fried Hanukkah Puffs

If you think latkes are good, sample a puff.
You could eat twelve and it won't be enough!

This recipe involves hot oil that can splatter and burn, and for the use of electric appliances. Ask an adult for help.

Ingredients you will need:

• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup raisins, dates, or chopped apples
• ¼ cup sugar mixed with…
• ½ tsp. cinnamon

Materials you will use:

• large bowl
• electric mixer
• electric skillet
• paper towels

What to do:

1. In a large bowl, mix the milk, sugar, oil, eggs, baking powder, salt, and one cup of the flour with an electric mixer on low speed. Scrape the bowl constantly and mix only about 30 seconds, until the ingredients are combined. Increase the mixer's speed to medium and continue mixing for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.
   
   
2. Stir in the remaining flour and the fruit.
   
   
3. Add enough oil so that it is halfway up the side of the skillet. Set the temperature to 350º F. When the light goes out, the skillet is ready.
   
   
4. Very carefully drop a tablespoon of dough into the hot fat. Cook about 5 puffs at a time. As the puffs rise, turn them. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
   
   
5. Remove the puffs from the skillet with a slotted spoon. Drain the puffs on paper towels that are spread onto a baking sheet.
   
   
6. Fry any remaining puffs in the same manner.
   
   
7. With a spoon, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a soup bowl. While still warm, but not hot, the puffs can be rolled in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place a puff in the bowl with the sugar and cinnamon mixture and turn it using a spoon. Remove the coated puff to a serving bowl or platter.