Struffoli

This Neapolitan dessert is a MUST at our house at Christmas time! My family and I typically drink wine, talk, laugh, and are happily covered in flour while making these delectable bites. This year was a little different, as most can relate. It was just me, myself, and I, some wine, and Italian music by Patricio Buane playing on Pandora in the background.

Struffoli is a popular southern Italian treat that you need to try at least once in your life. I PROMISE, you won't be disappointed! It's fried, sweet dough balls smothered in a lemon-honey mixture topped with colorful sprinkles.

It's the perfect amount of sweet, cut with the slightest bite of lemon zing. These crunchy, yet fluffy, sweet gems are the perfect Italian treat on a cold night.

Ingredients:

2 C flour

3 Tbl sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 stick unsalted butter

3 large eggs

1 Tbl white wine

1 tsp vanilla extract

vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill a large pot 2 inches full)

1 C honey (for sauce)

1/2 C sugar (for sauce)

1 Tbl lemon juice

Sprinkles

How To:

1. For the dough: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Add the eggs, wine, and vanilla. Pulse until the mixture forms into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Warning: the dough is going to be VERY sticky!

2. Cut the dough into 4 equal-sized pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough until 1/4-inch thick. Cut each piece of dough into 1/2-inch wide strips. Cut each strip of pastry into 1/2-inch pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a small ball about the size of a large marble or hazelnut. Lightly dredge the dough balls in flour, shaking off any excess.

3. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way (or about 2 inches). Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 375 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer, a small piece of bread should brown in about 3 minutes). In batches, fry the dough until slightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.

4. With a slotted spoon or frying spider, transfer balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once dried, place balls in a large bowl.

5. In a large saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Pour honey/lemon mix over the fried dough balls, and mix to coat. Add sprinkles, and enjoy!!

Mangia Bene!!!!