Dreams (Sonhos - Portugal)

1/4 pound butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Cinnamon sugar — 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Bring the butter, sugar, salt and water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Remove from the heat and add all the flour at once. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together in a ball. Add the eggs one at a time, beating vigorously until each egg is absorbed by the dough before adding the next. The dough will give the appearance that it is separating, but beating will incorporate the eggs.

Heat the vegetable oil to 375 degrees F and carefully drop the dough by rounded tablespoonsful. Do not fry more than 3 or 4 at a time, and try to keep the temperature of the oil as close to 375 degrees F as possible. Fry the pastries for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as necessary, until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still hot.

Makes about 2 dozen; allow 3 to 4 per serving.