Yields approximately 36
Recipe printed in the Washington Post "Sunday Source" 8/22/04

2 1/4 ounces active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups warm water (105-115º) -- divided
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying
SYRUP:
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
TOPPINGS:
Ground cinnamon to taste
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

In a mixing bowl,mix the yeast and sugar into 1/2 cup of the warm water. When the mixture turns foamy (about 5 minutes), stir in the remaining 1-1/2 cups warm water with the egg, flour salt, nutmeg and vanilla. Mix until the batter is thick but smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm spot to rise for about an hour. (don't stir again or it will deflate.) The result should be a bubbly batter.

In a deep fryer or a large heavy pot, heat four inches of oil to 375º F. making sure there are at least 2 inches between the oil surface and the top of the pot. This should take about 20 minutes.

While the oil is heating, prepare the syrup by combining the ingredients in a small bowl or a 2-cup measuring cup.

Working in batches, slide dollops of the batter (about the size of a heaping tablespoonful each) into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to crowd the pan. The dollops will puff up and float to the top. Turn the puffs occasionally with a slotted spoon until they are a deep golden brown on all sides and very crisp, about 2-4 minutes total. Remove carefully and drain on paper towels or brown paper bags.

Dust the puffs generously with cinnamon, drizzle with the honey-lemon syrup. and sprinkle with walnuts.