Bring 3 cups of water to a boil with the salt. Add the rice and cook until it is soft and slightly mushy, about 30 minutes.
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In a bowl dissolve the yeast in the 1/2 cup warm water. Add the rice and stir well to mix. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm, draft-free place for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Beat the eggs with the sugar, flour and cinnamon, and fold into the rice mixture to make a thick batter. Let rise, covered, in a warm place for 30 minutes.
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In a large saucepan, heat the oil to 360 degrees F. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil and cook, turning, until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, and drizzle with Steenís syrup, if desired.
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Yield: About 24 cakes, or 4 to 6 servings