Stepping away from the classic holiday French toast, we bring you a Portuguese dream with Port wine syrup—a unique and amazing treat, especially when paired with a cup of coffee. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Portuguese Dreams with Port Wine Syrup:
Dough:
- 1 pinch salt;
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (200 g);
- 2 ½ Tbsp sugar (30 g);
- 1 ⅔ cups water;
- 5 large eggs;
- ⅓ cup cornstarch (50 g);
- 3 ½ Tbsp unsalted butter;
- Zest of 1 lemon.
Syrup:
- 1 small glass Port wine (about ⅓ cup);
- 1 cinnamon stick;
- 1 ¼ cups water;
- 2 cups sugar (400 g);
- Thin peel of 1 orange;
- Thin peel of 1 lemon.
How to Make Portuguese Dreams with Port Wine Syrup:
- In a saucepan combine the water, butter, sugar, lemon zest, and pinch of salt;
- When it boils, remove from heat and stir in the flour and cornstarch;
- Mix well until a ball forms; return to low heat and dry the dough for 1–2 minutes;
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing vigorously after each;
- Heat oil in a pot to 325 °F (160 °C) and keep the flame low so the temperature stays steady;
- Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough into the hot oil;
- When the dreams are golden, lift out with a slotted spoon;
- For the syrup, simmer water, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and lemon peel for about 10 minutes;
- Stir in the Port wine and boil 5 minutes more;
- Strain out the peels and cinnamon stick;
- Drizzle the hot Port syrup over the warm dreams;
- Ready to serve—enjoy your festive Portuguese dreams!
Did you know?
These fried dreams are a beloved Portuguese Christmas classic. Traditionally dusted with sugar and cinnamon, they shine even brighter when kissed with a glossy Port wine syrup.
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