Italian Pastry Twists

Directions

1. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Add in the egg, salt, sugar, vanilla extract and melted butter.
2. Mix with your hands till the mix starts to come together. When the dough becomes stiff, add in sufficient sherry to make the dough soft and pliable. Knead till smooth, then wrap and refrigeratefor about 1 hour.
3. Roll out the pastry thinly and cut into 40 7-by-1/2 inch strips. Tie each strip loosely into a knot.
4. Heat the oil in a pan to 375 degrees and deep fry the knots in batches for 2 to 3 min, till puffed up and golden brown.
5. Drain the pastry twists on paper towels. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and serve either warm or possibly cool with coffee.