Mshabak (Sweet pastry)

Mshabak  is a Lebanese sweet mainly found  during the Holy month of Ramadan or during All Saint’s day or the Virgin Mary’ day. I love to eat this sweet even on regular days and that is why I learnt the recipe from my mother, God rest her soul, who used to make us help her with these sweets we loved so much.

Until today I am still unable to master the shapes they are found in the shops, I am sure this recipe I am sharing with you is just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornflour dissolved in a half cup of  water
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• Pinch of salt
• 1 liter cooking oil

Preparation:

• Sift the flour with the salt then mix with yeast and cornflour and water until the mixture is as loose as yoghurt
• Place in a bowl and cover with a tea towel in a warm place for a while till it rises
• Pour the mixture in a plastic bottle with a narrow dispenser for easier pouring into the oil, or into a plastic bag and cut a corner off
• Heat the oil in a pot on medium fire, pour the mixture in  circular shapes and fry till golden
• remove from the oil and place directly into the already prepared sugar syrup
• Remove from the syrup and place directly into a serving plate

Sugar Syrup Preparation:

• Boil 4 cups of sugar with 2 cups of water until it starts to thicken then add juice of half a lemon, remove from fire and add 1 tablespoon of Blossom water