Step 1

In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Whisk the milk into the egg till well combined. Add the egg and milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a fork till a batter forms.Warm oil over medium heat till hot enough for frying (around 365 degrees F).

Step 2

Use a metal soup spoon to scoop up each portion of batter. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into the hot oil. The oil should sizzle but not splatter-- if the oil pops or splatters, let it cool slightly before proceeding. Test one levivot first to see if you've got the oil temperature right.Between each scoop of batter, dip your metal spoon into a dish of water. This will help keep the batter from sticking to the spoon.

Step 3

Make 4-5 levivot at a time. Keep a metal slotted spoon handy to turn the levivot as they become golden.Fry the levivot till golden brown on both sides, turning once during cooking. If the oil is at the right temperature, it should take about 2-3 minutes for the levivot to brown completely and cook all the way through.

Step 4

Drain fried levivot on a paper towel.

Step 5

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring liquid to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Step 6

Reduce the heat and lightly simmer the liquid for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add flavoring to the liquid. You can use rose water or orange blossom water, which are the most traditional, or you can get creative with adding flavorings to taste like vanilla, orange, or coconut! Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes more till liquid thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 7

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.Pour warm syrup over freshly fried levivot. Serve.