Mix the yeast into 1/4 cup of warm water and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy. Add the rest of the water and the salt. Mix together. Add the flour one cup at a time. You can use your hands or a food processor to mix it, but I prefer my big standing mixer with a dough hook. Mix in the flour until it forms a ball, then knead for 5-10 minutes (3-4 minutes in the mixer).

Take balls of dough about the size of a small lemon and flatten them until they're about 3" in diameter. Place on a floured towel or cookie sheet and cover with another clean towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pan until it's about 375. To test, drop a small piece of dough in. It should puff up and sizzle. While you're waiting, mix together

the sugar and cinnamon and put this in a paper bag.

Fry the dough about 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned. Drain on brown bags or paper towels, then shake in the bag with the cinnamon and sugar. Mmmmmm!