Zeps

Ingredients:

• yeast
• flour
• salt
• water
• oil
• powdered sugar
• paper bag
• *honey or syrup

Instructions:

1. Melt the packet of yeast in warm water
2. Using about half the bag of flour, place in a very large pan
3. Mix the yeast mixture as well as several cups of water into the flour
4. Add a little oil and salt (just a little)
5. Mix with your clean, sanitized hands until you get a smooth consistency (add water as needed)
6. Cover the pan and wrap some towels around it to keep it warm — you must gently care for your dough — and leave until the dough rises (you can use as is or push it down and let it rise again)
7. Heat a pot of oil until it is very hot and scoop up some dough and drop into oil - the oil must be hot for it to cook properly
8. Let fry until it looks cooked - the middle should not be sticky
9. Scoop out of oil and set on paper towel and strainer to drain
10. Place cooked zeps into paper bag with powdered sugar and shake
11. Serve to family and friends

*Variation
Serve with honey or as the Houston family eats it, with maple syrup

Story:

This is essentially fried dough but is fondly known as “Zeps” in our family. Growing up in the Bronx, after midnight mass at St. Raymond’s (our home parish) my family and many friends would all go back to our apartment that we shared with my grandmother — who was the mother of 10 children and beloved by all — and she would make Zeps. Other food would be available but everyone was there for the Zeps. My mother maintained the tradition with her 4 children and now I carry it on. Every year I host a holiday party and Zeps are proudly served to all. It is the highlight of the party!

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