I have been baking with my grandmother since I am 7 years old. I am now 34, carrying on the tradition of the struffoli. My grandmother passed away last year, and it was devastating to me. She was my best friend. I continue all her traditions, especially the struffoli which she made the week of Christmas, to serve on Christmas eve. My grandmother didn't read or write English, she came from Italy. So this recipe is special it is her own made up recipe I was able to aquire from her as we baked and tweeked.
10 whole eggs
1 cup crisco, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange extract
1 teaspoon rum extract
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 orange rind, zest
6 cups flour, sifted
3 tablespoons baking powder
pinch salt
48 Fl Oz vegetable oil, for frying
32 ounce jar of honey
1 tablespoon orange juice
Methods:
Mix together the eggs, crisco, milk and extracts in the mixer. Mix until well combined. Add the confectioners sugar, orange rind, flour, baking powder and salt. Switch the mixer attachment to the kneading hook and knead for about 3-4 minutes. The dough shouldn't be too sticky if it is add more flour. Roll the dough into logs and cut into small squares using a knife. Fry in vegetable oil until light brown. Remove from heat and place on a baking sheet. Heat up the honey in a pan and add the orange juice. Coat the struffoli with the honey mixture.
