On Christmas Eve, a last-minute request turned into a festive baking adventure for writer and photographer Siobhan Connally. With a friend in need of assistance to prepare holiday confections, Connally welcomed her into her kitchen, where the two embarked on the delicate task of making traditional Buneulos.
Arriving with an array of ingredients including a dozen eggs, a quart of neutral oil, and a sack of flour, Connally’s friend set the stage for creating a cherished holiday treat. The preparation was meticulous, involving measuring, mixing, dipping, and frying. The intricate process required the use of a unique snowflake-shaped mold that had been passed down through generations.
As they began, Connally learned the importance of precision. Each fritter needed to be perfectly dipped in batter and fried until golden. The initial attempts, however, were met with frustration as the fritters repeatedly stuck to the mold. “It was a mystery,” Connally reflected, as they debated whether the oil temperature was too high or too low.
The situation prompted a moment of doubt when Connally’s friend suggested pausing the baking. “This might just be a sign that my Buneulos are just not meant to be this year,” she said. Yet, Connally was unwilling to concede defeat. Instead, she recalled an old deep fryer that had been tucked away in her cabinets.
Deciding to give it one last effort, she suggested using the fryer to maintain a consistent oil temperature. After a quick trip to the store for additional oil, they set the fryer in motion. With each twist of the wrist, Connally’s friend was able to produce perfectly cooked snowflake fritters that effortlessly released from the mold.
As the assembly line of frying and drying progressed, Connally’s son joined in, contributing to the joyous atmosphere. Laughter and good conversation filled the kitchen as stacks of finished Buneulos were packed into boxes for sharing.
Connally expressed her satisfaction with the evening’s outcome, saying, “I’m so glad we persevered.” The experience not only yielded delightful treats but also highlighted the value of teamwork and determination during the holiday season.
Siobhan Connally continues to share her insights on family life through her weekly column, resonating with readers in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
