Belated Buñuelos (and the t-shirt winners)

I am running later than late lately. Wow, 3 versions of a single word in a single sentence. I meant to post 2 different things over the past weekend...both my contribution for the IHCC Cookie Exchange and the winners of the Love the Pie! t-shirts. I don't have much time, but I wanted to share some delicious little pieces of fried dough that I made for the cookie exchange this (or should I say last) week. Traditionally we would make these with some yeast and a bit of anise, but this is a version by Nigella that mixes up quick and tastes pretty good in its own rite. Buñuelos from Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson yield: 30 1/4 c. milk 1 egg 1 c. flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar 1 Tbs. vegetable shortening cooking oil for frying powdered sugar for decorating Whisk the milk and egg in a large measuring cup or bowl. Pout the flour, baking powder and cream of tartar into a different bowl, then rub the shortening into the mixture either by hand or with a mixer. Pour in the milk and egg and mix to make a silky dough; be prepared to add 1-3 Tbs. of extra flour if it's too sticky. Pour the oil in a pan up to about 1" deep and place over high heat to reach a temperature of 350 degrees F. Tear off cherry tomato-sized balls** from the dough, rubbing them with your hands to shape them. Drop into the hot oil and cook for about 1 or 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels... ...and then arrange on a plate and dust with powdered sugar. **My notes: I would divide the dough into portions in advance the first time, because if you end up making them too big, they will still be doughy in the middle when they're golden on the outside...and that would be a shame (take it from me, I lost 4 this way)! And mine cooked very quickly, perhaps a minute or two total...no need for "flipping"...they flipped and turned and twisted all on their own. These are a great quick treat with some coffee, milk or hot chocolate...but definitely try a version with anise flavoring sometime, too...superb! ...and now to go cook/bake up something...anything...else Nigella (it's a POTLUCK this week at IHCC)!! Announcing the Winners of the Love the Pie! tshirt: Joanne of Eats Well with Others Jenn of Bread + Butter Martha of Martha's Menagerie Congratulations ladies...please shoot me an email with your shipping address and I'll get them on their way ASAP! (girlichef at yahoo dot com)