Buñuelos de yuca con almíbar de papelón
-- For the fritters • yuca (cassava), peeled, cooked, and still warm (1 kilo) • shredded semi-firm white cheese (about 8.8 ounces / 250 grams) • sugar • Vegetable oil, as needed, for frying • --- For the panela syrup • panela/piloncillo (about 17.6 ounces / 500 grams) • water (240 ml) • cinnamon sticks (optional) • Star anise, to taste (optional) • Cloves, to taste (optional) • Citrus peel, to taste (optional)