Struffoli: The Sticky, Sweet Christmas Tradition

 

Every family has that holiday treat, the one you can practically smell before you even walk through the door. For us, it was Struffoli. Those tiny little fried dough balls covered in honey and sprinkles: the ones that look like Christmas confetti and taste like pure joy.

My Grandmother would make them for the holiday. Struffoli isn't just a dessert: it's a ritual in most Italian Families. However, Struffoli was originated in Ancient Greece and was eventually rolled over to Naples, Italy.

Struffoli carries more than flavor: it carries lineage. Recreating her recipe is my way of keeping her close, the honey that binds generations.

Ingredients:

4 cups of flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

4 eggs

1 teaspoon orange extract

1 cup sugar

4 - 6 ounces vegetable oil

Honey Mixture:

3 pounds honey

1 large lemon, (zested)

4 tablespoons sugar

Rainbow/Christmas theme non pareils

Pearl Sprinkles

Directions:

1. Beat together eggs, sugar, oil and orange extract in a large bowl. Add flour and baking powder a little at a time.

2. Allow dough to sit for about 30 minutes to set. When dough is firm, add flour to a cutting board and roll dough into twelve-inch long strips. Cut dough in half-inch pieces. Make a thumb print in each piece (or roll into a ball - gumball size). 

3. Add oil to skillet. Make sure oil is hot, but not burnt. Fry pieces until golden brown. Use a skimmer when done and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Honey Mixture:

In a sauce pan add honey, sugar and lemon zest.  Bring to a boil. Toss the balls in honey mixture: mix well. Place on a dessert tray. Mount the honey balls to form into a wreath or Christmas Tree. Or simply pile them into a honey, sweet pile. Add sprinkles. Serve at room temperature.

Tips:

*Use a candy thermometer to test the oil. Oil should read about 350F and 375F. Not below and not above or honey balls will either not fry well or they will burn.

*Turn a drinking glass or wine glass upside down and form the honey balls around the bottom of the glass to make a wreath.

* Use the glass method as well to make a Christmas tree. Use a spatula to push the honey balls into a cone shape. If you want to be brave, use your hands.

Enjoy this delectable dessert.