Loukoumades (Greek Honey Donuts)

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1. 1Step 1: Dissolve yeast and salt in lukewarm water. Make sure the yeast becomes bubbly or creates foam.
2. 2Step 2: Place flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl and pour in the yeast mixture. Add 1 cup of warm water and mix ingredients with a wire whisk until smooth. Dough should be loose and sticky, not stiff or firm. If dough is too stiff, add a bit more water.
3. 3Step 3: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and a dish towel and place the bowl in a warm place. Allow to rise and double in size (1-2 hours). Look for bubbles on the rising dough, this indicates that the dough is ready.
4. 4Step 4: Prepare: You need 1 large slotted metal serving spoon for removing cooked donuts from oil, a small drinking glass filled with vegetable oil, a tablespoon or small spoon, and a large flat dish covered with paper towels to absorb oil from fried dough.
5. 5Step 5: Fill a medium-sized pot a quarter of the way with vegetable oil and heat to 360°F. Keep a thermometer in the pan and continually adjust the heat as you go, keeping it between 355-365°F.
6. 6Step 6: When the oil reaches proper temperature, reach into dough mixture, bring out a fistful of dough and squeeze. The dough will come through thumb and index finger. Dip the spoon in the glass containing the vegetable oil, scoop the dough from your hand, and drop into the hot oil. Do this until there are 8-10 balls frying in the hot oil. Be sure you don't overcrowd them.
7. 7Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to turn and cook evenly. When balls are golden brown, remove them from hot oil with slotted spoon and place on dish with paper towels. Repeat this process until all dough is used up.
8. 8Step 8: To make the honey syrup, heat honey and water in a small saucepan. Heat and stir at low temperature until just warm. If your honey squeezes or pours easily, you needn't do this step.
9. 9Step 9: To serve, put the dough balls on a platter, drizzle with honey or honey syrup and dust with cinnamon. You can also sprinkle with sesame seeds or walnuts if desired.