Pignolata

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Eggs (2, large)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Honey (1 cup)
• Sprinkles or chopped nuts (for decoration)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, eggs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into balls about the size of a marble, roughly 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough to ensure a crispy exterior.
4. Fry the dough balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until they turn golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate saucepan, gently heat the honey over medium heat until it becomes liquid and warm, but do not boil.
6. Add the fried dough balls to the warm honey, stirring gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated in the sweet syrup.
7. On a large serving platter, arrange the honey-coated dough balls into a mound and generously decorate with colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts for an eye-catching finish.
8. Allow the pignolata to cool slightly before serving, enabling the honey to set.