Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup multi-colored sprinkles
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Large pot for frying
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Serving platter
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the eggs, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Cut each rope into small pieces about the size of a marble.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 375°F.
7. Fry the dough pieces in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the fried dough pieces from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Once all the dough pieces are fried and drained, heat the honey in a small saucepan until it's warm and runny.
10. Add the fried dough pieces to the warm honey and toss to coat.
11. Transfer the honey-coated dough pieces to a serving platter and sprinkle with multi-colored sprinkles.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 65g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 36g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use vegetable shortening instead of butter.
- You can use corn syrup instead of honey.
- You can use chocolate sprinkles instead of multi-colored sprinkles.
Variations:
- You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrus flavor.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for texture and flavor.
- You can drizzle melted chocolate over the struffoli for a decadent touch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure even cooking and crispy struffoli.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying the dough pieces to prevent them from sticking together.
- Toss the struffoli in the warm honey immediately after frying to ensure they absorb the honey and stay soft.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the struffoli from the honey to prevent them from becoming too sticky.
Storage instructions:
Store the struffoli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the struffoli, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the struffoli in a pyramid shape on a serving platter for a traditional presentation.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the struffoli with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Pairings:
Serve the struffoli with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
Suggested side dishes:
The struffoli can be served as a dessert on their own, but you can also pair them with a light salad or fruit for a balanced meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it's easy to handle.
- If the struffoli are too hard, try adding more honey to the warm sauce to make it more syrupy.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when frying with hot oil to prevent burns or fires.
- Make sure the oil is properly disposed of after use to prevent accidents.
Food history:
Struffoli are a traditional Neapolitan dessert typically served during the Christmas season. They are made by frying small dough balls and coating them in honey or sugar syrup.
Flavor profiles:
Struffoli are sweet and slightly crunchy on the outside, with a soft and chewy interior. The honey or sugar syrup adds a rich, sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the struffoli warm or at room temperature as a festive dessert or snack. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
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Region: Italian