Sopapillas

Ingredients:

Sopapilla

• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2.5 cups premium flour + extra for working with the dough
• 3 tbsp. lard
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Topping

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Honey to drizzle
• Special equipment: deep-frying thermometer, vegetable oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Sopapilla:
   
   In a small saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the milk is warm to the touch.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour, lard, baking powder, and salt. Mix for 1 minute. While mixing on medium speed, pour in the warm milk mixture. Mix until the dough forms a ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Pour 5 cm of oil into a cauldron and heat to 190°C. Line the baking sheet with paper towels.
4. Topping:
   
   In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Flour a work surface and roll the dough into a 6x12-inch rectangle, about 0.3 cm thick. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares and fry in batches of 6 until golden brown, about 1.5 minutes per side.
5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the hot sopapillas from the oil and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle the sopapillas with cinnamon sugar and toss to coat. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with honey. Serve warm.