Italian Honey Balls- Traditionally served at Carnevale & Holidays
3 cups flour
4 eggs, beaten
¼ cup butter
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 ½ cups honey
2 ounces candy sprinkles
- Melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Mix together in a large bowl 2-1/2 cups of the flour. Add sugar, baking powder, lemon rind and salt. Make a depression in the middle. Drop into it the eggs and the melted butter or margarine. Mix with a wooden spoon and then with the hands until dough leaves the sides of the bowl. Add remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed. Knead dough on floured surface until it isn’t sticky anymore.
- Break off pieces of dough and roll into ropes about the size of a pencil. Cut into pieces 1/4 inch long. Roll these pieces into little balls and set aside.
- In deep frying pan, heat oil about 2 inches deep. Fry balls until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring 1-1/2 cups of pure honey to a boil. Let honey boil gently for about 3 minutes before adding little dough balls, stirring gently with wooden spoon until they are well-coated.
- Remove balls from honey with a slotted spoon and place in a deep dish or mound them on a platter. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Enjoy! Best eaten same day.