Crispy Mashbak (Crunchy Fried Pastry)

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons cornstarch2 tablespoons oil1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Warm water for mixing (about 1/2 cup)
• Syrup (qatr or shireh):
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Juice of half a lemon
• Syrup method:
• This crispy mashbak recipe comes from a friend and cook on Sho Tabkhin Al-Youm:
• Fatima Zahwi Ghamlush
• Click Fatima's name to visit her page on our site and enjoy all her tasty recipes
• For more of Fatima's delicious sweets see Pineapple Cake
• To make Al-Harissa al-Nabkiya click the link

Method

1. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, yeast, vanilla and baking powder.
2. Add the oil and mix, then gradually add the warm water until you get a batter with the consistency of buttermilk.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes only to proof.
   Timers: 5 min
4. Pour the mashbak batter into a pastry bag.
5. Pipe the mashbak directly over hot oil into round discs.
6. When the discs turn golden, flip them to the other side.
7. Remove from the oil and drain briefly, then dip in cold syrup for a few seconds before removing and draining.
8. Combine the syrup ingredients and place in a pot over the stove.
9. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 7 minutes, then remove from the heat.
   Timers: 7 min
10. Let the syrup cool.