Struffoli- honey balls ala Lidia

By jgroeneveld

Honey drenched puff balls- with traditional sprinkles

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of Kosher salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups honey
• vegetable oil
• Colored sprinkles

Preparation

Step 1

1. Pulse together flour, 1 tbsp sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt in food processor. In separate bowl whisk together eggs and vanilla. Add egg mixture to food processor- drop in butter pieces- process until smooth- place dough in plastic wrap- let sit for 1 hour at room tempreature.
Make the syrup- place honey, remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water into skillet and on medium heat bring to boil- 6-7 minutes.
In another side skillet- heat the vegetable oil, 365 degrees.
Cut the dough into piece and roll into 1/2 inch thick length- cut with pasta knife into hazelnut pieces- take each piece and roll dough in hands and make round. Place in frying oil- cook until golden broan. remove from skillet and place on paper towels.
Place the stuffoli balls into the honey syrup, and toss around until fully coated. Place on plate in layers and form cone/Christmas tree form. PLace sprinkles on top and pieces of diced marichino cherries.