CHURROS RECIPE: A MUST!

Ingredients: For the churros: 

1/2 cup plus 

1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar, divided 

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

1 cup water 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

2 Tablespoons plus 

2 quarts vegetable oil, divided 

1 cup all-purpose flour 

For the chocolate sauce: 

3 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, 

chopped 

1/2 cup heavy cream Equipment: a cloth pastry bag or heavy-duty plastic pastry bag; a large star pastry tip (such as Wilton #2110) 

Directions: Make the churros: Combine 1/2 cup sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Set aside. Line a plate with paper towels. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the water, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil then remove it from the heat. Stir in the flour, mixing until it forms a ball. Heat 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-high heat until it reaches 375ºF. (There should be a minimum of 3 inches above the oil to prevent it from bubbling over.) Transfer the dough to a cloth pastry bag or heavy-duty plastic bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the dough over the pot of oil to a length of about 4 inches, then using scissors or a sharp knife, cut it so it releases into the oil. (Stand back to avoid any splatters.) Pipe two to three churros into the oil at a time, frying them until they're golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the churros to the paper towel-lined plate to drain for 2 minutes, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat the frying and coating process with the remaining dough.