Diples / Christ's Diapers (Mommy Version)

Diples (THEE-pless) are deep-fried Greek pastries. The most traditional shapes are rolls, but at Christmastime they are made to look like Christ's diapers/swaddling clothes.

Honey syrup:

1 1/2 cups honey
1/2 cup sugar
1-2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup water

Pastries:

3-3 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 eggs, beaten
Grated zest from one orange
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brandy, raki or ouzo

Oil for frying (mixture of sunflower seed or canola oil plus an equal amount of extra virgin olive oil, or regular olive oil mixed with a bit of extra virgin olive oil)

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts mixed with
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Bring honey, sugar, cinnamon sticks and water to a boil in a saucepan. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks.

In mixer bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. With mixer on, add the eggs, orange zest, orange juice and brandy, until combined well. This dough can also be made by hand or in a food processor.

If necessary, transfer to floured surface and knead until dough is elastic. Divide dough into 3 and roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. This may also be done in a pasta machine, using the second or third thinnest roller adjustment.

Cut dough into pieces 4 x 2 inches to make folds. (Other shapes may be used -- this particular shaping/sizing is for making "Christ's diapers" or swaddling clothes. To make other shapes, see the other references cited below.)

In deep pan, add oil to a depth of 4 inches. Heat to 350 degrees, and regulate to maintain the temperature. Drop in a piece of dough. Working quickly, fold to a triangle then fold the two ends in. This is a bit more difficult than it sounds -- if you want, do the folding before frying. Another alternative is to just fold the dough in half while frying.Remove with forks carefully, so as not to crumble the pastry, and set on paper toweling to drain. Cool on racks, then dip in or drizzle with the honey syrup and sprinkle with the walnut-cinnamon mixture.

Cretans sprinkle sesame seeds over diples before serving.

Recipe based on Marlena Spieler's article, and instructions in The Food of Greece.

Click here for the KV (Kids Version).