Carmela Soprano's Struffoli (Christmas Honey Balls / Doughnuts)

Another surprise in the Cooking The Neapolitan Way chapter!

Struffoli!!

I guess it is a chapter for odds and ends in Artie's The Sopranos Family Cookbook.

Struffoli is a traditional part of an Italian Christmas.

My Sicilian Aunt Betty served it every year.

It wouldn't have been Christmas dinner without Struffoli. 

If you don't have a deep-fry thermometer test the oil:

a small bit of the dough dropped in the oil should sizzle,

bounce around and turn brown in a minute.

Well covered Struffoli keeps a few days at room temperature.

According to The Neapolitan Way, portions of Struffoli are served by breaking off 

portions with 2 large spoons or a salad server.

According to my Sicilian Aunt Betty, portions of Struffoli are broken off 

by kids grabbing at it and pulling off bits.

Struffoli is a mound of tiny fried dough balls, dipped in honey.

But, at Christmas, Struffoli is so much more!

                        Struffoli

Serves 12

In a large bowl combine

1 1/2 Cups flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Add

3 large eggs

Stir until well blended.

Turn the dough out on a lightly floured board.

Knead until smooth (about 5 minutes).

If the dough is sticky, add more flour.

Shape the dough into a ball.

Cover with the large bowl, overturned.

Let rest 30 minutes.

Cut the dough into 8 pieces.

Roll a piece between your palms into a 1/2 inch thick rope.

Cut the rope into 1/2 inch portions.

If the pieces are sticky, dust the board or your hands.

Repeat with the other 7 pieces.

In a deep saucepan or deep fryer pour

about 2 inches vegetable oil

Heat to 370º on a deep-fry thermometer.

Being careful to not splash the hot oil,

gently slip a few pieces of dough into the oil.

Don't crowd or they won't fry properly.

Cook, stirring a couple of times, about 2 minutes,

until they are crisp and golden.

Remove the Struffoli with a slotted spoon.

Drain on paper towels.

Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

When all the balls have been fried, pour into a large shallow pan

1 1/2 Cups honey

Simmer gently.

Remove from heat.

Add the Struffoli and stir well.

Pile the Struffoli on a large platter.

Decorate with

Chopped candied peel or candied cherries, 

multicolored candy sprinkles, or toasted sliced almonds

Would I make Struffoli again?

Christmas dinner without Struffoli? 

No way. 

Not in Naples, Sicily, Malta or my home in Winnipeg.

One recipe down.  Sixty-nine more to go.