Festive Italian Struffoli - Grandma Helen's Delight
Immerse yourself in the heartwarming flavors of Italy with Grandma Helen's Struffoli, a cherished family recipe handed down through generations. These delightful honey-dipped morsels are traditionally made during the Christmas season, perfect for celebrating friends and family gatherings. Struffoli are not just a treat but a festive creation that beautifully embodies the spirit of the holidays. Featuring a delicate blend of spices and sweetness, drizzled with rich honey and adorned with vibrant sprinkles, this dish makes an impressive centerpiece on any holiday platter and a thoughtful handmade gift for loved ones.
12
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
2 cups (All-purpose flour, sifted)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Regular baking powder)
Sugar
4 tablespoons (Granulated sugar)
Eggs
4 (Large, beaten slightly)
Vegetable Oil
2 teaspoons (For the dough)
Vinegar
1 teaspoon (White vinegar)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract)
Whiskey
1 fluid ounce (Rye, bourbon, or Canadian whiskey (not Scotch))
Honey
3 cups (Golden Blossom brand or pure clover honey)
Oil or Shortening
as needed (For deep frying)
Multi-Colored Sprinkles
as desired (Use small, round hard sprinkles)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and sugar, mixing well to incorporate all dry ingredients evenly.
2
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Add the beaten eggs, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and whiskey. Mix until a dough forms.
3
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion into 1/4 inch thick strips, resembling pencils.
5
Cut the strips into small pieces at your preferred intervals to form the struffoli balls. For a unique touch, make angled cuts as you slice.
6
If a more uniform shape is desired, roll the pieces into perfectly round balls in your palms.
7
For the ribbons, cut some of the dough into 1/2 inch wide strips and, using a crimped edge wheel, create decorative edges.
8
Form loops or bows with the ribbon strips.
9
Heat oil or shortening in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Deep fry the balls and ribbon shapes in batches, cooking until golden brown. Note that ribbons will cook faster than the balls.
10
Once fried, drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
11
In a deep pot over low heat, warm the honey until it becomes thin and pourable. Remove from heat.
12
Dip the fried ribbons in warm honey and set aside. Add the balls to the warm honey and toss them gently to coat completely.
13
Carefully transfer the honey-coated balls to a festive holiday platter. Arrange the ribbons and bows elegantly atop the balls, or create a Christmas tree shape with the balls and decorate with bows and ribbons.
14
Finish by sprinkling generously with multi-colored sprinkles for a cheerful holiday touch.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
37g
Carbs
3g
Protein
17g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Italian Struffoli?
Struffoli are traditional Italian honey-dipped dough morsels typically served during the Christmas season.
Whose recipe is this special Struffoli based on?
This recipe is a cherished family tradition handed down from Grandma Helen.
What are the main dry ingredients for the dough?
The dough requires 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 large eggs that have been slightly beaten.
What type of whiskey should I use in Struffoli?
The recipe calls for 1 fluid ounce of Rye, bourbon, or Canadian whiskey, specifically noting not to use Scotch.
Is there vinegar in the Struffoli dough?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in the dough mixture.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How do I prepare the dough strips?
Roll portions of the dough into 1/4 inch thick strips that resemble pencils.
Can I make shapes other than balls?
Yes, you can cut dough into 1/2 inch strips to create decorative ribbons, loops, or bows.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil or shortening should be heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying.
Do the ribbon shapes take as long to cook as the balls?
No, the ribbon shapes will generally cook faster than the dough balls.
What is the recommended brand of honey for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using Golden Blossom brand or a pure clover honey.
How much honey is required for coating?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of honey.
How should the honey be prepared before dipping?
Warm the honey in a deep pot over low heat until it becomes thin and pourable.
How do I ensure the struffoli are well-coated?
Add the fried balls to the warm honey and toss them gently to ensure they are completely coated.
What kind of sprinkles should I use?
Use small, round, multi-colored hard sprinkles for a cheerful holiday touch.
Can I arrange the struffoli in a specific shape?
Yes, you can arrange the balls in a Christmas tree shape on a festive platter.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10g of fat.
How much sugar is in one serving?
Each serving contains about 17g of sugar.
Is there a specific tool for making ribbon edges?
A crimped edge wheel is recommended to create decorative edges on the ribbon strips.
What should I do immediately after frying the dough?
Drain the fried pieces on absorbent paper to remove any excess oil.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe include vanilla?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Can I gift this dessert?
Yes, Struffoli makes a wonderful and thoughtful handmade gift for loved ones during the holidays.
How do I make the balls perfectly round?
After cutting the strips into pieces, roll them between your palms to achieve a uniform round shape.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 3g of protein.
How much vegetable oil is used in the dough itself?
The dough mixture requires 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine flour, baking powder, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.