Deep Fried Italian Honey Cookies Food

DEEP-FRIED COOKIES

Steps:

• On each of eighteen 4-in. wooden skewers, thread one cookie, inserting pointed end of skewer into filling. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. , In a deep cast-iron skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Place biscuit mix in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine egg and milk; whisk into biscuit mix just until moistened., Holding skewer, dip cookie into biscuit mixture to coat both sides; shake off excess., Fry cookies, a few at a time, until golden brown, 1-2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

STRUFFOLI O CICERCHIATA (ITALIAN HONEY DOUGH BALLS)

Steps:

• Mix flour, eggs, butter, sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest, rum extract, and salt together in a large bowl to create a soft dough. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand for 30 minutes.
• Roll dough into a thin log the width of your pinky finger, about 1/4 inch. Cut log into small pieces; roll into balls. Dust with flour to prevent from sticking.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Place a few balls of dough in a sieve to shake off excess flour. Cook in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining balls of dough.
• Pour honey into a saucepan over low heat. Cook until a small amount of honey dropped into cold water forms a soft ball. Add fried balls of dough to the hot honey; stir gently with a wooden spoon until coated.
• Rinse a serving plate and shake off the water. Pile dough balls onto the serving plate in the shape of a dome or ring using damp hands or a damp wooden spoon. Garnish with sugar sprinkles. Let cool completely.

ITALIAN SFRAPPOLE FRIED COOKIES

Steps:

• Place the flour on a wooden board and make a well in the center.
• Break the eggs into the well and beat lightly with a fork.
• Add the butter, sugar, rum and wine and mix thoroughly with the eggs.
• Using your hands, gradually incorporate the flour, starting from the inside of the well.
• Work the dough into a ball.
• Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until 1/4 inch thick.
• Using a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips 3/4 inch wide and 6 or 7 inches long.
• Tie the strips in knots or pin in bows.
• Pour oil into a large saucepan or deep fryer until 2 inches deep.
• Heat the oil to 375°F.
• Using a slotted spoon, lower the bows a few at a time into the hot oil.
• Turn the bows while cooking.
• When golden brown on both sides, remove and drain on paper towels.
• Arrange the bows on a platter and dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with some honey.
• Vogue Entertaining.

ITALIAN CENCI COOKIES

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar and salt until frothy. Stir in vanilla. Sift flour with baking powder; gradually add to batter. Add butter and mix well. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half; roll each half as thin as possible (noodle thickness). Cut into 5-in. x 1-in. strips with a knife or scalloped pastry wheel. , Preheat oil to 375°; fry cookies until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Cookies are best served the same day.

ITALIAN HOLIDAY COOKIES

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine sugar, lemon zest, vanilla and salt. Add eggs and 2 cups flour; mix well. Turn onto a floured surface and knead in remaining flour (dough will be soft). With a floured knife or scissors, cut into 20 pieces. With hands, roll each piece into pencil shapes. Cut "pencils" into 1/2-in. pieces. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 350°. Fry pieces, a few at a time, for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Place in a large bowl. Heat honey to boiling; pour over cookies and mix well. With a slotted spoon, spoon onto a serving platter and slowly mound into a tree shape if desired. Decorate with candy sprinkles. Cool completely.

ROSETTES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, beat eggs and sugar; stir in milk and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to batter until smooth., Heat 2-1/2 in. of oil to 375° in a deep-fat fryer or electric skillet. Place rosette iron in hot oil, then dip in batter, three-fourths up the sides of iron (do not let batter run over top of iron). Immediately place in hot oil; loosen rosette with fork and remove iron. , Fry rosettes, a few at a time, until golden brown, 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove to paper towel-lined wire racks. Repeat with remaining batter. , For icing, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve a dipping consistency. Dip edges of rosettes into icing; let dry on wire racks.