Honey Struffoli with Orange and Pignoli
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp flour
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3 cups canola oil
- 1 cup honey
- ¼ cup of water
- Zest of 2 oranges
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, add flour, eggs, butter, and baking powder. Mix well until soft dough forms. I knead with my hands. Divide dough into four equal parts. On a lightly floured surface (2 tsp flour) roll the dough balls into long, ½ inch thick ropes. Cut the rope into 2-inch (thumb size) pieces, dust with flour and place onto a floured baking sheet.
In a small pan over medium heat, combine pine nuts and olive oil and sauté until pine nuts are golden brown. Place pine nuts on a paper towel and remove excess oil. Set aside.
Heat canola oil to 375 degrees in large pot or whatever you use to safely deep fry (I use an electric frying pan).
In a large pot over medium high heat, combine honey, orange zest, and a ¼ cup of water. If you prefer, you can just warm 1 ¼ cu[ of honey instead of adding orange zest and water.
In batches, fry the struffoli in the hot oil until they are golden brown and puffed on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and toss in orange syrup to coat. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with pine nuts. Serve and enjoy!