What would an Italian Christmas be without Struffoli? It certainly would be lighter, that’s for sure! These little things are addictive, calorie filled, baby bombs of deliciousness and they are only permitted in my household at Christmastime. Why? Because there’s no restraint around them, so best to not make them too often!
As I love baking, I am always trying new things, inventing new desserts, consulting with mom (of course!) on what might work and what not, but there are a handful of staples you can’t mess around with at Christmas. Of course, got to have some biscotti, anise cookies, the pizzelle, butterballs, a jam crostata and the struffoli. Anything more than that and we’re just being greedy, which, of course, we are, no reason to hide it. Thankfully, the New Year is right around the corner and we all promise we will do better in the New Year, right? Ha! These are not so hard to make, but the do require a bit more work than some of my lazier recipes. But they are worth the effort, if only once a year. These are festive, as unlike the other treats mentioned above, these are only generally prepared around Christmas. While any week-end is worthy of a crostata or quick anise cookies, these are saved for just this time of year. So put aside an hour or two this holiday season and make your family some delicious Struffoli!
Struffoli di Natale Ingredients 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 3 ½ to 4 Cups all purpose flour 3 ½ Tablespoons sugar 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk Pinch of salt Zest of 1 orange 1 – 2 Tablespoons orange juice / anisette liquor / limoncello 3 – 4 Cups vegetable or peanut oil for frying Topping: 1 Cup honey Decorative sprinkles of your choosing Directions:
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6 Comments
Francesca
12/17/2017 03:41:49 pm
Hi Dominick, I just sent you some info on Puglia! Let me know what questions you might have! Thanks for the interest!
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Francesca
12/11/2018 05:13:32 pm
Enjoy! I love these and will be making some soon as well!
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Brenda McClain
3/11/2019 07:17:27 am
Hi, Francesca! My 4 grandparents came from Italy. My maiden name is Verdigone shortened from Verdegilione & my mom's name was Astorino changed to Storage~~isn't that lovely? HAHA! I miss her & her cooking so much! Bread, pizza, fritties, Easter bread & cookies. She made Pita Piatas & Tordeles (both long e's) which were both my favorites. The Tordeles sound just like your Struffoli di Natale. Have you ever heard them called that? I would love to have some of them. We've made Easter bread but I haven't been brave enough to try the Pita Piatas yet~~maybe this year! I forgot to tell you that she used the Pita dough to make the Tordeles. Brenda
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Francesca
3/12/2019 03:21:08 pm
Ciao Brenda! Thanks for your note! I have never heard struffoli called that before. They are also known as pignolata, that's the only other name I know them by. Try this recipe, it's easy and really delicious! They are also used at Easter, not just Christmas!
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