To make pignolata, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, vegetable oil for frying, 1 cup of honey, and colored sprinkles or crushed nuts for garnishing.
Start by sifting together the flour, sugar, and baking powder into a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until they are well combined. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing well to form a smooth dough.
Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and pliable. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into small balls, about the size of a cherry. Place the dough balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and allow them to rest for about 15 minutes.
While the dough balls are resting, heat vegetable oil in a deep, wide pot or frying pan. The oil should be at least 2 inches deep to ensure the dough balls fry evenly. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the dough balls until they turn golden brown and crisp, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or a spider skimmer to remove the fried dough balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a separate saucepan, warm the honey over low heat until it becomes smooth and liquid. Once the fried dough balls have cooled slightly, dip them into the warm honey, ensuring they are well coated. Use a slotted spoon or fork to transfer the honey-coated dough balls onto a serving platter or a large plate, arranging them in a neat mound.
Once you have finished dipping and arranging all the dough balls, drizzle any remaining honey over the pignolata. Now it’s time to add the final touch: the garnish. Sprinkle colored sprinkles or crushed nuts over the top of the pignolata, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Allow the pignolata to cool and set for at least an hour before serving, as this will allow the honey to harden slightly, creating a crunchy outer coating. When it’s time to indulge, simply pick up a handful of these sweet treats and savor the deliciousness!
In conclusion, making pignolata is a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delightful Italian dessert that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So why not try making pignolata for your next special occasion or treat yourself to a sweet and festive dessert?