Diples / Christ's Diapers (Kiddie Version)

Use the ingredients in Diples (Mommy Version) but use the following instructions:

1. Combine honey syrup ingredients in 4-cup microwave-proof bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat using 15-second intervals or until hot and sugar is completely dissolved. If container gets too hot, allow to rest for a minute or so between microwaving to prevent potential burns. This can be done by a bigger kid with supervision from Mom, or Mom can do the microwaving and the little ones can take turns stirring the mixture with a large spoon. Set aside.

2. Let kids mix the walnut and cinnamon topping together in another bowl. A soup spoon works well, and if there are any spills, you can give them permission to sprinkle it onto their tongues.

3. Combine the dough ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Let little hands mix the dough until they get tired of doing that, then Mom can take over. Or Mom can do the initial mixing and then the kids can take bits and pieces in their individual bowls to mix as they desire. Recombine doughs when everyone is happy.

4. Roll out dough and let kids cut them into desired shapes. If you want strips, use a pastry or pizza cutter. Older kids can do this by themselves, or if little ones want to do it by themselves, let them. Show them first how to do strips, then work with whatever shapes they come up with. My kids usually start out copying what I showed them how to do, then sooner or later branch out to interesting shapes and forms.... like blobs and globules...

5. If you can coax the kids to cut the diaper shape, great! Or you can cut the shape yourself and let them do the folding. Fold one in front of them and leave it on the counter so they can copy it. For even littler ones, you may want to do several showing the sequence of steps, so they have a visual as they do their own folding. Provide a bit of beaten egg which they can brush on with their fingers to make the diaper ends adhere. Just make sure they don't lick their fingers so they don't eat that raw egg.

5. Fry up the pastries while they go wash their hands and read a book. When the pastries are done and drained, let kids pour syrup and sprinkle walnut cinnamon-topping onto their own individual servings.

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).