Afternoon tea churros

Method

• step 1

  Boil the kettle. Sift the flour into a big mixing bowl with a big pinch of salt, then stir in the 2 tbsp sugar and lemon zest.

• step 2

  Put 350ml boiling water, the butter and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat gently to melt, then bring to a simmer and, as soon as it is boiling, turn off the heat. Tip in the flour mixture and very quickly beat with a wooden spoon until lump-free. Cool for 5 mins, then beat in the eggs one at a time, with the spoon or an electric whisk. Rest for 10-15 mins, or cover and chill for up to 24 hrs.

• step 3

  Fill a large, deep saucepan one-third full of oil. Heat until it reaches 180°C on a cooking thermometer. Cover a tray with kitchen paper, and mix the caster sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl.

• step 4

  Fit a star nozzle to a piping bag – 1-2cm wide is a good size. Fill with the rested dough, then pipe 2-3 strips directly into the pan, snipping off each dough strip with a pair of scissors. Fry until golden brown and crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on the kitchen paper-lined tray. Carry on cooking the rest of the dough in batches, sprinkling the cooked churros with some cinnamon sugar as you go.

• step 5

  Serve a few churros per person with a dollop each of clotted cream and raspberry jam on the side.