Delicious Struffoli Recipe from Cooking With Nonna: A Traditional Italian Dessert to Impress Your Guests
Are you ready to take your taste buds on a journey to Southern Italy? Look no further than the Struffoli recipe from Cooking With Nonna! This delectable dessert is a staple during the holiday season and is sure to bring joy to any gathering. But be warned, once you take a bite, you won't be able to stop!
First and foremost, let's talk about the dough. It's a simple mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, and butter that comes together to create a soft and fluffy texture. As you knead the dough, you'll feel your stress melt away - it's like therapy in the kitchen!
Now comes the fun part - shaping the dough into those tiny, bite-sized balls that make Struffoli so unique. Don't worry if they're not perfectly round, the imperfections give each one its own character. And if you're feeling festive, add some food coloring to the dough for a pop of color!
Once all the dough balls are formed, it's time to fry them up. The sizzling sound and sweet aroma filling your home will make your mouth water. And don't forget to sprinkle them with honey and colorful sprinkles - it's the perfect finishing touch!
But wait, there's more! Struffoli isn't just a dessert, it's a work of art. Arrange the balls in a wreath shape or stack them high on a platter to create a tower. Your guests will be amazed by your culinary skills and the beautiful presentation.
And here's a tip - make extra because these little treats are addictive. You may find yourself sneaking into the kitchen for just one more (or ten!). But hey, no judgment here - we've all been there.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients and channel your inner Nonna. Cooking With Nonna's Struffoli recipe will transport you to the streets of Naples and leave your taste buds begging for more. Buon appetito!
The Struffoli Recipe: A Sweet Italian Treat
Have you ever heard of Struffoli? It's a traditional Italian dessert that's easy to make and delicious to eat. I learned how to make it from my Nonna, who has been cooking for as long as she can remember. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking your time in the kitchen. So, let me take you through the steps of making this sweet treat.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making Struffoli is to gather all of your ingredients. You'll need flour, eggs, sugar, honey, butter, vegetable oil, and lemon zest. It may seem like a lot, but trust me, it's worth it. Before you start cooking, make sure you have everything you need on hand so you don't have to run to the store mid-recipe.
Mixing the Dough
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it's time to mix the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of water. If it's too wet, add a little bit more flour. The key is to get the right consistency so that the dough is easy to work with.
Cutting and Rolling the Dough
Once you have your dough mixed, it's time to cut and roll it into small balls. Take a small piece of dough and roll it between your hands until you have a ball that's about the size of a marble. Repeat until all of the dough is used up. Once you have all of your dough balls, it's time to fry them.
Frying the Dough Balls
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat up about an inch of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the dough balls. Fry them until they're golden brown, then remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain. Repeat until all of the dough balls are fried.
Making the Honey Glaze
Now that your dough balls are fried and drained, it's time to make the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, heat up the honey until it's runny. Once it's heated, pour it over the fried dough balls and mix everything together until the dough balls are coated in honey.
Add Some Color
If you want to add some color to your Struffoli, you can sprinkle some rainbow nonpareils on top. This will give your dessert a festive look that's perfect for any occasion.
Serve and Enjoy
Your Struffoli is now ready to serve and enjoy! This sweet treat is perfect for holidays like Christmas and Easter, but it's also great for any time you're in the mood for something sweet. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
A Few Tips
If you want to make your Struffoli extra special, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. It will make a big difference in the taste of your dessert.
- Take your time when mixing the dough. The consistency is key for making sure your dough balls turn out perfectly.
- Be careful when frying the dough balls. Hot oil can be dangerous, so make sure you're using a pot or fryer that's deep enough to prevent any splatters.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even orange zest to give your Struffoli a unique flavor.
The Bottom Line
Making Struffoli is a fun and easy way to bring a little bit of Italy into your home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. So, why not give it a try? You might just discover a new favorite recipe.
Struffoli Recipe Cooking With Nonna: Making Memories in the Kitchen
Ready to get your hands sticky and create some delicious memories with your loved ones? Look no further than Nonna's famous Struffoli recipe! This Italian dessert may look small, but it packs a big punch of flavor. And with a few simple steps and some patience, you too can master this sweet treat.
The Dough is in the Details
First things first - let's talk about the dough. This recipe calls for a sticky, sweet dough that can be a bit of a challenge to work with. But don't let that scare you off! With a little flour and some elbow grease, you'll have this dough ready to go in no time. Just remember - the key is to keep your hands floured and your surface dusted, so the dough doesn't stick.
Once your dough is ready, it's time to start shaping those tiny balls. And trust us - they may be small, but they're mighty. These little bites are the perfect size for snacking or sharing, and they're sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Honey, I Shrunk the Balls!
Don't let the tiny size of these struffoli fool you - they're packed with flavor. And that flavor comes from the honey. Lots and lots of honey. This recipe calls for a generous drizzle of honey once the struffoli are fried and ready to go. So be prepared for a sticky, sweet mess. But hey, that's what kitchen towels are for, right?
Lick the Spoon (and Fingers)
Who needs utensils when you can just dive right into this sweet, gooey dough? We won't judge you if you lick the spoon (or your fingers) after shaping those tiny balls. In fact, we encourage it! After all, the best part of cooking is getting to taste test along the way.
Stars of the Show
If you're feeling extra festive, try cutting your dough into cute little stars for a fun twist on this classic dessert. Not only will they look adorable on your serving platter, but they'll also make the perfect Instagram photo opp.
Bite-Sized Delights
Whether you're popping them like candy or savoring each one, these tiny treats are sure to delight. And the best part? You don't have to feel guilty about indulging in a few (or a dozen). After all, they're so small, they hardly count as a full dessert.
Put a Ring on It
Feeling creative? Try shaping your struffoli into little rings for a fun and delicious presentation. Not only will they look impressive, but they'll also make it easy for guests to grab and go. Just be warned - they may disappear faster than you can say struffoli.
Sticky Situations
One thing's for sure - you're going to get your hands sticky with this recipe. But trust us, it's worth it. The sweet, sticky honey glaze is what makes these struffoli so irresistible. And the memories you'll make in the kitchen with your loved ones? Priceless.
Sprinkle, Sprinkle, Little Stars
Make your struffoli sparkle with a generous dusting of powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles. Not only will it add a pop of color, but it'll also make them look even more irresistible. Just be prepared for a mess - powdered sugar has a way of getting everywhere.
Honey, We Shrunk the Family Recipe
Passing down family recipes from generation to generation is what keeps traditions alive. And this struffoli recipe is no exception. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some sweet memories in the kitchen. Who knows - maybe one day your grandchildren will be making Nonna's famous Struffoli recipe too.
Dough-n't Stop Believing
With a little patience and a lot of love, you too can master Struffoli Recipe Cooking With Nonna. So don't be afraid to get messy, have fun, and most importantly - enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work.
Struffoli Recipe Cooking With Nonna
The Story of Struffoli Recipe Cooking With Nonna
If you're looking for a tasty Italian treat to make, look no further than the Struffoli recipe. This delicious dessert is a staple in many Italian households, and it's easy to see why. With its crispy texture, sweet flavor, and festive presentation, Struffoli is the perfect addition to any holiday table or special occasion.
But where did this delicious dish come from? According to legend, Struffoli was invented by Italian nuns in the 18th century as a way to celebrate the patron saint of Naples, Saint Januarius. The nuns would fry small balls of dough and coat them in honey, creating a sweet and savory treat that soon became popular throughout Italy.
Today, many families still make Struffoli using traditional recipes passed down through generations. And for those who want to learn the secrets of this beloved dessert, there's no better teacher than Nonna herself.
Cooking With Nonna: A Humorous Point of View
If you've ever seen an Italian grandmother in action, you know that there's no one better at cooking than Nonna. With her years of experience, secret family recipes, and no-nonsense attitude, Nonna is the ultimate authority on all things culinary.
And when it comes to making Struffoli, Nonna is the only teacher you need. With her expert guidance and hilarious anecdotes, she'll have you whipping up batches of this delicious dessert in no time.
But be warned: Nonna doesn't suffer fools lightly. If you're not paying attention or not following the recipe exactly, she won't hesitate to call you out. And if you're lucky, she might even throw in a colorful insult or two.
But don't let that scare you off. Cooking with Nonna is an experience like no other, and the end result – a plate full of crispy, sweet Struffoli – is more than worth it.
Table Information
Here are some key ingredients and steps for making Struffoli:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb of flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 3 eggs
- Zest of one lemon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Directions:
- Mix together flour, sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl.
- Add in eggs, butter, and milk to the bowl and mix well until dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Roll out small pieces of dough and cut into small balls.
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the small balls of dough until they become golden brown.
- Remove the balls with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Heat honey in a pan on medium heat until it becomes liquid.
- Add the fried dough balls to the pan and stir until they are coated with honey.
- Remove the Struffoli from the pan and shape them into a circle on a serving plate.
- Allow the Struffoli to cool and then serve.
With these simple steps and some guidance from Nonna, you'll be able to make Struffoli like a pro. So why not try your hand at this delicious Italian dessert today?
Goodbye, Sweet Tooths!
Grazie for joining me on this sweet and sticky adventure into the world of Struffoli recipe cooking with Nonna! I hope that my tips and tricks have helped you to create a delicious, beautiful, and foolproof batch of these classic Italian treats.
Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering, a special dessert, or just for fun, Struffoli are a beloved and irresistible treat that will never go out of style. And with Nonna by your side, you can be sure that your Struffoli will be the talk of the town.
So what have we learned today? We've learned that Struffoli are not just a dessert, but a way of life. We've learned that the key to perfect Struffoli is patience, persistence, and a little bit of flour. And we've learned that no matter how many times you burn your fingers or curse under your breath, the end result is always worth it.
But most importantly, we've learned that cooking is about more than just following a recipe. It's about sharing memories, traditions, and love with those around you. And when you make Struffoli with Nonna, you're not just making a dessert - you're making memories that will last a lifetime.
So as you bid farewell to this blog post and head into the kitchen to whip up a batch of your own, remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. And if all else fails, just blame it on Nonna.
Until next time, sweet tooths - keep on cookin'!
People Also Ask About Struffoli Recipe Cooking With Nonna
What are struffoli?
Struffoli are small, bite-sized balls of dough that are fried until golden brown and then coated in honey syrup. They are a traditional Italian dessert that is popular during the holiday season.
What ingredients do I need to make struffoli?
To make struffoli, you will need flour, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, salt, vegetable oil, and honey.
Can I make struffoli without a deep fryer?
Absolutely! While a deep fryer makes the process faster and easier, you can still make delicious struffoli using a deep pot or dutch oven filled with oil. Just be sure to monitor the temperature closely to prevent burning.
Why do I need to let the dough rest before frying?
Letting the dough rest allows the gluten to relax, which makes it easier to roll out and shape. It also helps the dough to hold its shape during frying.
How do I know when the struffoli are done frying?
The struffoli should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. To check for doneness, you can cut one open and make sure it is cooked all the way through.
Why is it important to coat the struffoli in honey syrup?
The honey syrup adds sweetness and moisture to the struffoli, making them more flavorful and enjoyable to eat. It also helps the struffoli to stick together in their signature wreath shape.
What other toppings can I use besides honey?
While honey is the traditional topping for struffoli, you can also use chocolate or caramel sauce, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts to add flavor and texture.
So there you have it! Making struffoli with Nonna is a fun and delicious holiday tradition that everyone should try at least once. Just be sure to bring your appetite, because these little dough balls are addictive!