Fiesta-Ready Churro Bar

1. In a medium saucepan combine the water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to boiling over medium heat. Add flour and anise seeds all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. Add egg, almond extract, and anise extract, beating mixture well with a wooden spoon.

2. Preheat oven to 300°F. Transfer mixture to a decorating bag fitted with a large open star tip. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper. Pipe 4x1-inch logs onto the prepared baking sheet.

3. In a deep saucepan heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F. Fry logs, a few at a time, in hot oil about 2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in oven while frying the remaining churros.

4. Dip churros in desired Churro Glaze and place on a rack over a baking sheet. Reheat glaze in the microwave oven as necessary to maintain dipping consistency.

Orange Churro Glaze:

In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 tablespoon agave nectar or light corn syrup. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 1 minute. If desired, add 1 teaspoon orange liqueur. Whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until glaze is smooth. If desired, whisk in enough orange food coloring, one drop at a time, to make the desired color. Sprinkle glazed churros with finely shredded orange peel. (Makes about 1 cup.)Nutrition analysis per serving: 820 calories, 5 g protein, 97 g carbohydrate, 47 g total fat (15 g sat. fat), 95 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 71 g total sugar, 13% Vitamin A, 14% Vitamin C, 475 mg sodium, 3% calcium, 11% iron

Lime and Pistachio Churro Glaze:

In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 tablespoon agave nectar or light corn syrup. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until glaze is smooth. If desired, whisk in enough green food coloring, one drop at a time, to make the desired color. Sprinkle glazed churros with additional finely chopped pistachios. (Makes about 1 cup.)Nutrition analysis per serving: 884 calories, 8 g protein, 100 g carbohydrate, 52 g total fat (16 g sat. fat), 95 mg cholesterol, 2 g fiber, 70 g total sugar, 13% Vitamin A, 8% Vitamin C, 527 mg sodium, 4% calcium, 13% iron

Birthday Cake Churro Glaze:

In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until glaze is smooth. Sprinkle glazed churros with multi-colored sprinkles. (Makes about 1 cup.)Nutrition analysis per serving: 855 calories, 6 g protein, 100 g carbohydrate, 49 g total fat (15 g sat. fat), 96 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 74 g total sugar, 13% Vitamin A, 0% Vitamin C, 485 mg sodium, 5% calcium, 10% iron

Mexican Chocolate Churro Glaze:

In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate pieces, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon agave nectar or light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 2 minutes. Whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar, whisking until glaze is smooth. If desired, sprinkle glazed churros with finely chopped peanuts. Sprinkle with additional ground cinnamon. (Makes about 1 1/3 cups.)Nutrition analysis per serving: 1003 calories, 8 g protein, 112 g carbohydrate, 62 g total fat (24 g sat. fat), 106 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 82 g total sugar, 16% Vitamin A, 0% Vitamin C, 514 mg sodium, 8% calcium, 22% iron