Pignolatta Recipes

PIGNOLATA

Steps:

• Dough: Put flour on a board, make a well in center, break eggs into the well, add salt. Work flour, eggs, and salt together, knead for 10 to 15 minutes till dough is soft and smooth and a little shiny. Make into ball
• Cover ball of dough with a bowl and let set for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Slice off pieces and roll into pencil size pieces then cut into little pieces roll into balls in your hands. Put on a board lightly dusted with flour..When you have them all cut and rolled, deep fry till golden they will look like corn pops. Place in large bowl.
• Honey Glaze: In large sauce pan, over low heat cook for 5 minutes. Cook Honey and sugar, stirring constantly. When sugar is dissolved, remove from heat.
• Pour over your fried balls mix till all are well coated with the honey mixture. Turn out on large platter. Dampen your hands and shape with your hands into wreath or logs and such. Garnish with Candy sprinkles, or candy balls, or Pinons..

ITALIAN HONEY BALLS (PIGNOLATA OR STRUFFOLI)

Steps:

• Mix dough ingredients well. Knead on floured board. Let dough rest for a while.
• Roll dough into 1/4 inch thick pieces.
• Cut dough into 1/4 strips and roll thin (thinner than a pencil).
• Cut off pieces of rolls making tiny pieces (smaller than peas).
• Deep fry in oil. Drain well on paper towels.
• Meanwhile heat honey and sugar. Boil for 15 minutes.
• Stir hot syrup into dough pieces. Stir in almonds.
• Using finger tips dipped in ice water carefully pour mixture onto board. Make into individual size cirles (golf ball size).
• Warning this is very hot so use cooled fingers and spatula to shape but you must work quickly as it hardens quickly.
• Some put sprinkles on top but that is optional.