Cast Iron Churros

Everyone loves churros, right? I mean, how could you not? It's literally fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar. So simple, yet so delicious. But have you ever tried to make them at home? I'm going to guess that your answer is "no" -- but that's about to change!

THE INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill your cast iron pan to about 1.5 inches depth)
• Cinnamon sugar, for coating

Cinnamon sugar mixture:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

THE STEPS

1. In a medium-sized pot, combine the butter, water, brown sugar, salt, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a spatula until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pot. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.
4. Crack the eggs into the pot, one at a time, whisk vigorously. Then add in the vanilla extract. At first, the dough may seem like it's not coming together, but continue mixing until the eggs are fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth.
5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip. This is what gives the churros the signature shape, and crispy edges.
6. Heat vegetable oil in your Stargazer 13.5-inch cast iron braiser until it reaches 350°F.
7. Pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting them to about 2 inches in length with scissors. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
8. Fry the churros for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. While the churros are still hot, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
10. Serve the churros warm and enjoy their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. They are best eaten fresh!

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Serves: 5-10