Fried Cretan bread with honey

A traditional Cretan recipe that's done all over Crete, not only for breakfast but all day round, and even on holidays.

Ingredients

• 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 240 ml (about 1 + 1/4 cup) lukewarm water
• 70 ml (1/3 cup) raki
• 50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 500 g soft anthotyro or fresh Cretan mizithra
• Orange zest (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• To serve
• thyme honey
• roasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. For the pan-fried Cretan pie, in a deep bowl, mix the water, raki, olive oil, orange zest and salt.
2. Gradually add the flour and knead until a dough forms that does not stick to your hands.
3. Divide the dough into 12-16 pieces and shape them into small balls. Do the same with the cheese.
4. On a smooth surface, roll out each dough piece with a rolling pin into a thin disk about 10 cm in diameter. Place a ball of cheese in the center and close it around with the dough to cover and enclose the cheese. Roll it out again with the rolling pin, into a thin disk, being careful not to open the dough and let the cheese come out. Repeat the same process until the ingredients are finished.
5. Grease a non-stick frying pan with a little oil and heat it over high heat. Fry each pie piece separately for about 2 minutes on each side, until they are well browned.
6. Drizzle the pies with honey, while they are still hot. If desired, sprinkle them with a little toasted sesame seeds.