Struffoli! A Neapolitan Christmas Sweet

 

 

 

 

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Struffoli are tiny, fried bits of dough, tossed in warm honey and covered with a rainbow of sprinkles to bring you luck in the new year. It is believed the more struffoli you eat, the more luck you will have. This tradition originated in Naples, but can be found all over southern Italy, and is also known as cicerchiate in Abruzzo, which literally means "to chit-chat". An old woman once told me it got it's name from everyone sitting around the table snacking on a bowl these honey coated treats, while they gossiped about the neighbors!

As a child, I have fond memories of my great grandmother giving us kids pieces of the citrus scented dough to roll into little ropes, and how the smell filled the house as she cut and fried them.
Gather your family around the table one chilly afternoon, and bring this old world tradition into your home this holiday season with this fun and easy recipe. Buon Natale!


Struffoli
2 cups all-purpose flour (Plus 2 cups for working dough)
2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup Strega Liquor or White Wine
Zest ½ orange
Pinch of salt
4-6 cups vegetable oil for frying
2 cups honey
½ cup multicolored candy sprinkles

In medium bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, liquor, softened butter and orange zest. Combine by hand until dough comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 3 minutes. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let rest in refrigerator 30 minutes.
Remove from refrigerator and begin making the struffoli by pinching off a small handful of dough and rolling it between your hands to form a thin rope, about ¼ inch thick. Cut rope into small pieces, ¼ inch thick, and set aside. Continue with the remaining dough.
In shallow pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 350F.
Fry about 1 cup of struffoli dough bits at a time. Cook about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove from hot oil with slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels to absorb any extra oil. While still warm, place struffoli in a bowl and pour honey over them, enough to coat. Stir and add sprinkle with multicolored candies. Enjoy warm!
TIP: To make ahead, cut ropes into little pieces and place in an even layer, on a parchment line baking. Wrap with plastic and freeze. Struffoli may be fried while frozen.

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