South African "vetkoek" (Bread Machine Recipe)

Very traditional 'deep-fried breadrolls'; sounds weird but unbelievably good. We grew up with these at least once a week: either filled with curried 'mince' (ground beef) (these we called curry bunnies); or just halved and spread with butter and preserves or syrup. Yumm.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 2  cups  unbleached bread flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fast-rising active dry yeast
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
• 7⁄8 cup water (room temp)
•  oil, for deep-frying

Directions

1. Measure water into bread machine pan.
2. Add dry ingredients.
3. Add yeast.
4. Set machine on 'dough setting' and start.
5. When done (after 1 1/2 hrs) remove and divide into 10 balls on lightly floured surface. Flatten slightly.
6. Let rise for 1/2 hour in warm place.
7. Warm oil in pan - about 1 inch deep - on medium heat setting (not hot!).
8. Fry vetkoeks about 5 minutes a side (turn over when golden). Pack them quite close together in the pan: it helps with rising.
9. They should be the color of doughnuts when ready.
10. Drain on kitchen towels.
11. As soon as you can bear to touch them, slice open and spread with butter and your favorite preserve.
12. Enjoy.
13. (cooking time is bread machine cycle).