Struffoli (Honey Balls)

Struffoli are fried balls of dough soaked in a boiling honey glaze. Struffoli are an Italian specialty, oftentimes served around Christmas and Easter. I used Southern Belle Honey in this recipe, and the cookies just melted in your mouth. Killer Bee Honey would provide a similar result (although the name of the honey goes against the kindly spirit of Christmas!). For a super-sweet cookie, you could try using Orange Blossom Honey, but you might find some of the flavor of this lighter honey is lost when it boils.

• Ready In: 43 mins
• Serves: 60
• Yields: 60 balls

Ingredients

• 6  eggs
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  vegetable oil
• 2 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon rind
• 1  quart  vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1⁄8 cup flour (for dusting)
• 1⁄8 cup  candy sprinkles

• Honey Glaze

• 1 1⁄2 cups honey
• 2  tablespoons lemon juice
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2  ounces  slivered almonds, for topping

Directions

1. Beat together eggs, sugar, and oil until foamy. Add flour and baking soda slowly while kneading. Knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball.
2. Divide into 8 smaller balls. Roll each ball into a rope 1/2 inch across, and cut into pieces 1/3-1/2 inch long. Flour each piece lightly to prevent them from sticking together. Fry dough in oil at 375 until golden brown and puffy. Drain well. Arrange fried dough in a tray or mixing bowl.
3. Prepare Honey Glaze, and pour over fried dough turn dough until evenly coated with Honey Glaze.
4. Honey Glaze directions:
5. Boil liquid ingredients until thick remove from heat, and pour over cake.
6. Arrange in a pyramid on a serving plate, and cover with candy sprinkles or slivered almonds.
7. Cool before serving.