Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Strugfoli



The baking of Christmas cookies is a large part of the holidays for my family.  We have certain ones that have been handed down through the generations and are still baked every year.  The recipe's may have changed slightly,  but the feeling and memories are as strong each time.

For as many Christmas's that I  remember, my mother would talk about a cookie she always had as a child. She could not remember it's name, just what it looked and tasted like.  Shaped like a cone or tree, it was bits of fried dough stuck together with honey and sprinkled with bits of candy.  A centerpiece on a plate, everyone would simply break off a piece.



This year I did a little searching to see what I could find.  In "The North End Italian Cookbook" I came across a recipe for Strugfoli.  Sounded just like what I was looking for.  So I gave it try.

Here's the recipe, if you'd like to give it a try.
2 cups peanut oil
2 cups sifted flour
1/4 tsp salt
3 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup honey
1 tbsp sugar 
1 tbsp multicolored sprinkles
Mix the flour &  salt in a large bowl -make a well in center of flour - Add the eggs, one at a mix slightly after each using a fork or tossing with your fingers. Add the vanilla- mix well to make a soft dough
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface & knead for 5 mins. - Divide dough in half and lightly roll into 1/4" rectangle- cut the dough into 1/4"wide strips - use the palm of your hand to roll the strips to pencil thickness- Cut each strip into pieces about 1/4" long.
Heat oil in deep saucepan to 365 degrees.  Add enough pieces to hot oil so they float uncrowded- Fry 3 to 5 mins until lightly browned, turning often during cooking. - transfer with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain - Finish frying all the pieces.
Meanwhile cook the honey and sugar in a separate pan over low heat for about 5 mins.
Remove from heat and add the deep fried pieces. - Stir to coat all the pieces with the honey sugar mixture
Put the Strugfoli on cookie sheet and put in refrigerator to chill slightly
Transfer to serving platter and arrange in a cone shaped mound -**Note..wet your hands first, this part was tricky**
Sprinkle with multi colored candies 
Chill in the refrigerator to set the shape desired and cool the syrup. Serve by breaking off individual pieces

Maybe kept in a box for up to 2 weeks. 




**My take on it...good not great..but being my first time making it..it definitely could be the cook.
**I thought it could have used more flavor but the kids loved it!

**I've since found a few slightly different versions of this recipe here and here


If you've made this or have another recipe for this dessert I'd love to hear about it. 
I plan on trying to improve on it myself.

Happy Holiday Baking and Don't forget there's still time to enter my holiday giveaway



Sue


Sunday, December 21, 2008

Monday's Discoveries



Mondays Discoveries

Great Finds To Start Your Week


If Mondays are not usually your favorite day,
I thought I'd make them a little brighter.

This Monday is a whole lot brighter for me.
You won’t find this discovery posted in my shop
This Monday, I’m sharing a personal treasure,
yellow with age, given to me many years ago & tucked in a box for safe keeping.


One morning, many holiday seasons ago
when my children lived away from home and I was feeling the empty nest syndrome,
I found this little bird house perched on my shelf, nestled inside was this note from my daughter,


it read.."two more weeks till Christmas..it's time to get in the mood.
although we can't be with you..it's no time to brood!
two more weeks till Christmas, Santa's on his way..
you may just find a little surprise on any given day!
Love your little ones...tweet, tweet"

it made my holiday that year and after finding it...it just made my holiday this year.

Oh, what treasured memories can be found in holiday boxes.

Yes, sometimes, Mondays work out wonderfully!
Happy Happy Monday

Sue

Thursday, December 4, 2008

tis the season...out & about




Out & About
it seems it’s holiday weekend on Cape Cod. Most towns are having their holiday strolls, tree lighting, open houses, and any number of old fashion fun family events.
If your in the area, cross over the bridge, breathe a stress relief sigh and take some time to enjoy the holidays.
You can head over to each towns web site or for a fairly complete link of the events in many of the towns here.


I’m looking forward to being in Sandwich with our grandson for a” Christmas weekend.”
We have a busy fun time planned. Friday night it’s Carol singing in town with cider and cookies. Saturday it’s off to the North Pole on the North Pole Express Train ride. Back home for hot chocolate and decorating the Christmas tree. Sunday Heritage Gardens is having an open house with a lighted walk to ride the antique carousel, crafts and fun!

Put the holiday craziness aside for a day or two and enjoy!

Sue
ps.. if you insist on shopping, sit by the fire, open your computer...I have added some new items to etsy.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Monday's Discoveries


Great Finds To Start Your Week

Monday, Monday sometimes they just work out Ok!

If Mondays are not usually your favorite day,
I thought I'd make them a little brighter.

Each Monday I post some great new finds.
Before they are posted in my etsy shop
my readers get first peek.

See something you like...just drop me a note.

This Monday it’s....

large & vintage
shines & glitters
lights up the night or any where you put it





A large metal star covered with vintage glass glitter
it has turned a beautiful silvery brown shade.
At 21 inches it is perfect for decorating a mantel.


Have a starry eyed Monday
Sue

Monday, November 10, 2008

Monday's Discoveries

Great Finds To Start Your Week

Monday, Monday sometimes they just work out Ok!
If Mondays are not usually your favorite day,
I thought I'd make them a little brighter.
Each Monday I post some great new finds.
Before they are posted in my etsy shop
my readers get first peek.
See something you like...just drop me a note.

This Monday they are...

Shiny, Silver, Gold & Festive




Vintage Glass Tree Toppers

made in west germany
of vintage glass, mercury glass & mica

Collectible and beautiful they do not have to be just for the tree
shown here displayed on candle holders


Have a shiny bright Monday

Sue

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