PASTELILLOS / Sweet Yucca Pastries Recipe

 2.2 lb (1 k) yucca (cassava)
 3 ½ oz (100 g) squash (optional)
 ¼ teaspoon salt
 1 teaspoon ground aniseed
 Camotillo / Sweet Potato Dessert or Manjarblanco for filling
 Vegetable oil
 Confectioners sugar
 Cinnamon

Peel yuccas and cook in water together with squash, salt and aniseed.
Transfer to a bowl or a work surface and mash with potato masher until a smooth dough is obtained.
Sprinkle flour while kneading to prevent dough from sticking to hands.
Take small portions of dough and form 2 inch-balls (5 cm) approximately.
Flatten them slightly, placing in the center 1 teaspoon of camotillo or manjarblanco.
Cover with another portion of dough. Seal borders well by pressing with fingers. Try shaping pastries like a star.
Fry in hot over until golden. Drain in absorbent paper.
Serve hot. Sprinkle confectioners sugar and cinnamon on top.