Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 210g “00” flour
- A pinch of salt
- 300g honey
- Sunflower oil for frying and colored sprinkles
Method
Place the sifted flour on a clean work surface and make a well in the centre. Place the eggs in the well and a pinch of salt and use a fork to lightly whisk. Use your fingertips to gradually blend a little flour into the egg mixture.
Working with your fingertips, continue to gradually draw the flour into the centre until the mixture forms a soft dough. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until you get a smooth dough that doesn’t stick to your hands, using a bit more flour if needed. Cover with clear plastic and set aside for 20 minutes to rest.
Cut a piece of dough and roll out into a long thin rope, about the thickness of a pencil; use a small sharp knife to cut each log in small pieces (the size of a pea). Sprinkle with flour if they start to stick.
Deep fry the small balls of dough in batches, they will puff up and resemble chickpeas, drain on kitchen paper and set aside.
Warm up the honey in a deep frying pan and when it starts to bubble add all the fried balls of dough. Mix with a wooden spoon to coat well and keep mixing until the honey starts to form strings between the dough balls and there is no more honey at the base of the pan. The smell of the warm honey will make you feel happy with a feeling of anticipation.
Rinse a serving tray and shake off the water, place the dough balls on to the serving plate and form small mounds with your wet hands or with a damp spoon (being careful as the honey will be very hot).
Place each mound on an orange or lemon leaf, the scent of the leaves will transfer on to the ‘ciciarej’, scatter with coloured sprinkles to add more colour, arrange them on a serving tray and enjoy the celebration of Carnevale with family and friends.