Fried Bowknot Cookies

makes 2 dozen

• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla, almond, or anise extract
• 1 egg
• Vegetable Oil
• Confectioner’s Sugar

1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. Cut butter into bits and add to bowl.
3. Add milk, vanilla, and egg. Mix well.
4. Form into a ball. Let rest in bowl for 15 minutes.
5. Pour oil into a deep medium-size saucepan to a depth of 2 inches. Place over moderate heat until oil registers 350F on a deep fat thermometer.
6. While oil is heating, place dough on a well-floured board. Roll out to a 12-by-8-by-⅛-inch rectangle.
7. Cut into 24 strips, each 8 inches long and ½ inch wide. Tie each strip into a loose knot.
8. Carefully place knots, about 4 at a time, into preheated oil. Cook, turning once, until knots are crisp and golden brown.
9. Remove from oil with slotted sponn, drain on paper towels. Repeat until all knots are fried.
10. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.