Loukoumades

Mix the yeast with ½ cup warm water and sugar

Let stand for 5 minutes

Stir in remaining batter ingredients.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour

When the batter has risen, stir it down.

Heat oil, about 1½ inches deep in a large pan until very hot (375°F)

Dip a teaspoon into the oil and use it to scoop up batter and gently slide batter into the oil. The batter will puff up to almost twice its size

Continue making puffs

Turn them with a slotted spoon until they are browned and crisp

Drain them on paper towels

Drop them into the cooled syrup to coat

Let the excess syrup drain off

Sprinkle the puffs with cinnamon and serve immediately

Drizzle with honey: Drizzle as little or as much honey onto the puffs