A delightful Italian treat featuring fried dough balls coated in sweet honey, perfect for celebrations or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
1 cup butter or margarine
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
for frying as needed oil
1.5 cups pure honey
1/2 cup chopped nuts
as desired none colorful sprinkles
Method
Start by gently melting the butter or margarine in a saucepan over low heat.
In a large bowl, mix together 2-1/2 cups of flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs along with the melted butter or margarine.
Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to blend until a dough forms that pulls away from the bowl.
If the dough feels too sticky, gradually mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and no longer sticky.
Divide the dough into small portions, rolling each into ropes about the thickness of a pencil, then cut into 1/4 inch pieces.
Shape these pieces into small balls and set them aside.
In a deep frying pan, heat oil to about 2 inches deep, and fry the dough balls until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color. Drain on paper towels.
In a large saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups of pure honey to a gentle boil over medium heat, simmering for about 3 minutes.
Carefully add the fried dough balls to the hot honey and stir gently with a wooden spoon until they are completely coated.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the honey-coated balls to a deep dish or arrange them on a serving platter.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts and colorful sprinkles, then allow them to cool.
