Ingredients:
750g plain flour
2 eggs
120g butter, melted
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp sugar
120ml milk
freshly-grated zest of 1 lemon
Method:
Sift together the flour, salt, bicarbonate of soda and sugar into a bowl. Add the lemon zest and mix thoroughly to combine. Form a well in the centre, add the eggs, butter and milk to this. Beat together with a fork then work into the flour mix with your fingertips until the ingredients come together as a dough. Cover the bowl and set aside to rest for 60 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface then roll the pastry out and cut into thin strips about 12 cm long. Take three of these and braid them. Place on a floured board, cover with a clean cloth and set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
In the meantime, heat oil in a deep fryer to 180°C. Add the braided dough strips and fry for about 3 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen paper and dust with icing sugar. Serve warm.