A lot like donuts, Samoan panikeke are an easy and afforable treat

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups water
6 cups vegetable oil for frying

Method

Combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl until thoroughly mixed, and stir in the bananas, vanilla extract, and water to make a smooth, sticky dough.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). The oil should be deep enough to completely cover the panikekes while frying, or at last three inches deep.

Scoop up a scant 1/4 cup of batter with a large spoon, and use another spoon to push it off into the oil. Fry in small batches of 4 or 5 until they float to the top and turn golden brown, about three minutes, then flip them to fry the other side. Remove from the fryer and let drain on paper towels.