Malassadas are a fried dough confection typical of Carnival. They were made during the week before Lent as a way to utilize all the sugar in the home. Alongside the immigrants from the Azores and Madeira, the malassadas made their way to the new world during the 19th century, where they adapted to their new cultures. They are still a beloved confection in Hawaii. Their name, which means under baked, comes from the creamy texture of their insides, which contrasts with the crispy outside layer. Malassadas