Struffoli: A Family Tradition

There are some things everyone should know, if they don't already, about Italians. One, we love food! Love it! Two, the most important thing, other than food, is family. And three, traditions are very important! Mainly because they often involve both food and family. My grandmother, Nonnie, recently passed away. One of my fondest memories of her are the times we made Struffoli together. Her hands as she rolled out the dough will forever be ingrained in my memory. This past Thanksgiving, I watched my Dad pass on the tradition to my sons and niece. This dessert is so simple, but for me, there is nothing sweeter.

Here is the recipe:

First mix together 3.5 cups of flour, 6 eggs plus one egg yolk, and the zest of one lemon and one orange and a half teaspoon of salt.

Add a little limoncello, an Italian liquor, if you want.

The most important ingredient of any good Struffoli is family.

After the dough has rested in the refrigerator for 30 minutes it is time to roll in out into long ropes...or "snakes" as we called them. This is where little hands can be very useful.

Oh, and it always nice to have Struffoli prepared by a beautiful princess!

Luke is either making sure Macie is doing it right or he is doing it right. What he doesn't know, is there is no wrong way to roll out Struffoli.

After cutting the rope into small half inch pieces they are ready to put into canola oil for frying. They will puff up so don't put in too many.


Cook until golden.

Next, coat your Struffoli with plenty of honey. (If you can get it onto the plate)

And finally, the most crucial ingredient...SPRINKLES! Oh, and the must, must, must be the tiny little ball sprinkles. No other sprinkle will do. (Okay, I admit, that part is important to me but since tradition is all about making things your own, feel free to use any type of sprinkle you want. You may even prefer powdered sugar. I just highly recommend the tiny little ball sprinkles.)


Throw in some love from a very proud Crampa.

And enjoy...straight from the platter.