Diples Recipe (Greek Honey and Walnut Pastry)

Description:

Diples are delightful Greek sweets that are typically associated with various celebrations like engagements, weddings, baptisms, and during the festive season of Christmas. These are thin handcrafted dough sheets, which are folded, fried to a crisp, then coated with honey, and finally sprinkled with a combination of walnuts and cinnamon. These delicious treats, though special, can be relished any time of the year.

ingredients:

For the Diples:
2 and a half cups of all-purpose flour
3 eggs
4 tablespoons of Brandy
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Syrup:
1 cup of honey
1/4 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
For Garnishing:
Finely chopped walnuts
Ground cinnamon

Method:

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Create a well in the center.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and brandy for several minutes. Pour this wet mixture into the well of the flour mixture.
Knead the mixture into a dough until it becomes smooth and slightly firm.
Cover the dough with plastic cling wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Slightly knead the dough again.
Divide the dough into apple-sized balls. Roll each ball out on a floured surface to form a thin pastry.
Cut the pastry into rectangles, approximately 12cm x 6cm in size.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Carefully place a rectangle sheet of dough into the hot oil and quickly fold it thrice using tongs and a fork to achieve a rolled shape. Fry until crispy.
Continue frying all the dough sheets in this manner.
For the syrup: In a large pot, combine honey, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Dip each Diples in the hot syrup, ensuring they are fully coated.
Garnish the Diples with finely chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Diples can be served immediately. If storing, keep them in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to a week.