Tara Khattar's awamat (little fritters in syrup)

1. Put the water, yeast, sugar and powdered milk in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together and let rest for 15 minutes.
2. Add the sifted flour and salt, then mix by hand. The dough should be quite liquid.
3. Let rest for 2 hours.
4. Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan.
5. Using a small spoon, form small balls by squeezing the dough in your fist and fry them for a few seconds in very hot oil. Ideally, fry the balls twice, about 30 seconds each time.
6. To make the syrup: boil the water, sugar, and lemon juice, stirring occasionally.
7. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from the heat, pour in the orange blossom water, and stir.
8. Let cool.
9. Once the fritters are cooked, let them cool and dip them in the syrup to coat well.
10. Enjoy the same day.

This recipe is taken from the book "Liban, une histoire de cuisine familiale, d'amour et de partage" by Tara Khattar, published by Hachette in 2020. Each of the 100 recipes in this book is a tribute to the culinary heritage passed down by her grandmothers. She learned everything from their hands and tries, successfully, to share the happiness and sense of fulfillment she feels in every dish she makes.