Cue Up The Episode

• Make sure to listen to Sofia's episode of The Storied Podcast, Christmas in Ecuador while you make her festive Pristiños!

Make The Recipe

Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well mixed.
• Gradually add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the egg mixture.
• Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth dough.

Form and Fry the Pristinos

• Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
• Use a knife to cut the dough into strips about 4 or 5 inches long by 1 inch wide. Cut small, ½ inch notches on one side of the strips. Bring the two ends of the strip together to form a circle, notched sides facing out. Pinch ends together and drop in the hot oil 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry until a deep golden brown.
• Remove pristiños from the oil and drain on paper towels.
• Prepare the Syrup:
• In a separate saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel and juice. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly into a syrup.