Sugar-Free, Flour-Free CookiesPerfect Churros with Hot Chocolate

Cinnamon Sugar:

• 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Chocolate Dipping Sauce:

• 3 oz bittersweet chocolate (85g)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120g)

Instructions

Making the Churros:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the dough, stirring until completely incorporated and smooth.
5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C).
7. Pipe 4-5 inch strips of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough from the piping bag.
8. Fry the churros until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Making the Cinnamon Sugar:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
2. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar until coated.

Making the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:

1. Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
4. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to prevent the churros from becoming greasy or undercooked.
• If the dough is too thick to pipe, let it cool slightly longer or stir it a bit more to make it easier to handle.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to the cinnamon sugar.

Nutritional Benefits

While churros are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, the use of bittersweet chocolate in the dipping sauce provides antioxidants. Additionally, making churros at home allows you to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients used.

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