Struffoli (Honey Balls)

Struffoli are fried balls of dough soaked in boiling a boiling honey glaze. Struffoli are an Italian specialty, oftentimes served around Christmas and Easter.  What is interesting, though, is how similar these are to Shebakkia, Muslim Ramadan Honey Cookies (though, arguably, Struffoli has fewer ingredients).

I used Southern Belle Honey when I tested 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. 

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
• 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)
• flour for dusting
• candy sprinkles

Directions

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