Fried Pastries

These deep-fried pastries, called cueca virada, crostoli, orelha de gato or cavaquinho, taste just like beignets. They are often served as an afternoon treat along a cup of coffee. The funny name comes from the pastries being shaped like twisted underwear (briefs), but you’ll probably have better luck imagining them like bowties.

The dough will keep in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you can shape the cuecas and keep them in the fridge or fr