Struffoli, is is one of the most popular Italian sweets found on dessert tables for Christmas Eve or St Joesph's Day!

 I remember well the towers of Struffoli at my Grandpa Salara's home!  I am so grateful I found this recipe here!  I loved the fried flavor reminiscent of mini eclair puffs drenched in honey syrup!  I will pass this down to my children as well!

The preparation is not fast but relatively simple (provided you have a bit of  familiarity with deep frying).

The following traditional recipe from my family has no leavening but the struffoli still comes out crisp.  If you prefer them more full in size, you may add a pinch of baking soda.

With this recipe be sure to let the dough rest a few hours before making the struffoli.

Italian Pizzelles, This time of year brings many memories especially about Christmas cookies, especially Pizzelles!

As a child we would visit my Grandmother during the holidays. After the kiss on both cheeks and as everyone settled in and began catching up I could only think of one thing, to the closet!

Not to get my coat but to reach up and try to get at that red can with the flowers on it! It had foil under the lid that stuck out and if I could reach enough I could get the edge of it with my two fingers and

wiggle it down, got it! It is now in my possession, I can smell the aroma! I grab the lid of the can and pry it off and there they are beautifully golden delicately crisp Pit-zels, what I called them, lightly dusted with powered sugar and just waiting for me to dive in!

This recipe can be found in many places, the Iron can be found here! I chose this image from amy(k) from Flicker because it brings to mind the sense of pride you feel after making a batch of love, which I’m sure every child feels when they eat Grandmas Pizzelles!

Ingredients
3 eggs
1/2 tsp anise extract
1/2 tsp baking Powder
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar

Method
Beat eggs and sugar. Add cooled melted butter and vanilla as well as the anise extract. Sift flour and baking powder and add to the egg mixture. The batter will be stiff enough to be dropped by a spoon. The batter may be refrigerated to be used at a later time. Makes 30
Before serving dust with powdered sugar!

Image and another great recipie from http://www.browneyedbaker.com

Cucidati - Italian Fig Cookies , Don't wait till Christmas to bake these wonderful Italian Cookies! Full of sweet and deep flavored figs!

Cookie crust: In a large mixing bowl combine flour, 1/3 cup sugar,
And baking powder. Cut in butter till pieces are the size of small peas.
Stir in the whipping cream (un-beating) and egg till all is moistened.
Divide dough in half. Cover and chill about 2 hrs until easy to handle.

FILLING:

1 8-ounce package (1 1/2 cup dried figs) I like the light ones (figs)!!
3/4 cup light raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds (or 1 cup coarse almonds and walnuts)(I like a lot of nuts)
1/2 dried mixed fruits- a little citron, orange .
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the filling: In a food processor bowl or with the coarse blade of a food
Grinder, process or grind figs, raisins, and almonds till coarsely chopped.
In a medium mixing bowl combine the 1/4 cup sugar, hot water, cinnamon and
pepper. Stir in the fruit mixture. Let filling stand till the dough is thoroughly
chilled.

Roll each half of the dough into a 12-inch square. Cut each square into twelve
4x3-inch rectangles. Using a heaping tablespoon of filling for each rectangle,
Spread filling along one of the short sides of the rectangle. Roll up from that side
Place rolls, seam side down, on an ungreased cookie sheet. Curve each roll slightly.
Snip outer edge if curve three times. Brush with egg wash & sprinkle with decorative
Candies.

Bake in a 350 oven for 20 to 25 minutes or till done. Remove and cool.

Biscotti Di Regina print version

Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs flour 
1 1/4 lbs sugar
1 lb shortening
6 teaspoons baking powder
1/2  cup milk
6 eggs
1 lb sesame seeds

Method

Sift flour and baking powder and set aside.

Cream shortening sugar and lightly beaten eggs in large mixing bowl, gradually add milk, and flavor.

And blend well-add flour a little at a time mixing well.

Roll dough out one inch thick and cut into 3 inch long.

Egg wash and roll each cookie in the sesame seeds.

Bake 350 oven for about 20 minutes.