Filhóses de abóbora (sweet pumpkin fritters)

Filhóses, or filhós, are a traditional Portuguese sweet fritter that are a cousin to the slightly more well-known malassada. Filhóses are typically made for festivities or large gatherings, and like most culinary traditions, their flavors can vary regionally. In this recipe, adapted from my cookbook "Let's Eat" (Union Square & Co., 2023), the dough for the filhóses contains pumpkin purée and whiskey, giving them earthy hits of caramel flavor. After the dough is dropped in the oil to fry, the light and puffy fritters are immediately rolled in cinnamon and sugar. Filhóses are best served freshly fried and to an eager crowd, as the recipe yields enough to feed one. Leftovers, if there are any, can be frozen and reheated, and benefit from a fresh coating of cinnamon and sugar.