PICARONES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water and stir to dissolve. Add the sugar, egg, pumpkin, and salt; combine thoroughly. Add the flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough becomes too stiff to beat with a wooden spoon. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead in enough of the remaining flour to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes). Shape it into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and tear off pieces, shaping into doughnut-like rings, about 3 inches in diameter. Heat about 1-inch of oil in a deep skillet and fry the fritters for about 5 minutes, turning them once, until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with warm maple syrup.