Surullitos de maiz (Fried Corn meal sticks)

These are a great when entertaining very easy and quick to make. You could make them in advance or have a bunch frozen ready to fry at any time. I like them when I make an asopao de gandulez to dip them in Mmm.

2 cups water 3 tablespoons white sugar, or more to taste 1 tablespoon of butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, or as needed 3 cups vegetable oil for frying

 Sauce (mayo-ketchup)

1/2 cup mayonnaise, or to taste 1/4 cup ketchup 1/2 teaspoon mild hot sauce or more to taste 2 crushed garlic cloves, or to taste (optional)

Directions

1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and stir in sugar, butter, and salt until sugar has dissolved. Turn heat to low and whisk in 1 cup of cornmeal until smooth. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup cornmeal to make a very thick, workable dough.
2. Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease your hands well with 2 teaspoons of oil and scoop about 3 tablespoons of cornmeal dough; roll the dough into a ball, then shape into a 3-inch long stick about 1/2 inch wide. Repeat with remaining dough, oiling your hands as needed. Deep-fry the cornmeal sticks until golden brown, working in batches of 3 or 4 at a time. Drain fried cornmeal sticks on paper towels and keep warm.
3. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup,hot sauce and garlic in a bowl until well combined; serve cornmeal sticks with the sauce for dipping.