Skip to main content

Featured

How To Make Pignolata (Struffoli) - An Italian Christmas Favorite

Pignolata, also known as struffoli in Southern Italy, is a traditional Italian Christmas dessert made of golden fried dough, coated in warm honey, and finished with sprinkles or almonds. This classic Italian holiday sweet is especially popular in Calabria and Naples and is often served during Christmas and New Year celebrations. One of our family's favorite treats at Christmastime is eating pignolata (peen'-yo-la-ta) also known as struffoli (stru'-fo-lee) .  Others serve it on New Year's Eve.  These are tiny pieces of light-textured fried dough coated with delicious honey and decorated with sprinkles and sliced almonds. There are many recipes available online for this traditional Italian favorite.  Check out this one by Pina Bresciani . No matter which pignolata (struffoli) recipe you try, consider following Greg Montillo's technique shown in the video below.
Post a Comment
Read more
Labels

Craving a Bold New Snack? Meet The Ultimate Italian Snack Mix

The Ultimate Italian Snack Mix recipe is a quick savory party appetizer made with Crispix® cereal, various hard Italian cheeses and herbs.

If you’re craving a bold new snack, this Italian-inspired snack mix brings together rustic Mediterranean flavors and simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for a savory and satisfying bite.  Its crunchy, cheesy, and spicy.  I created this recipe back in April 2011, and it’s been a crowd favorite ever since.


The Ultimate Italian Snack Mix


The Ultimate Italian Snack Mix


Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups Kellogg’s® Crispix® cereal
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • pinch of dried parsley flakes
  • hot red pepper flakes, finely ground (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, cut to 1/8-inch thick, 1/4-inch squares
  • 1/4 cup Provolone cheese, cut to 1/8-inch thick, 1/4-inch squares
  • 1/2 cup Grana Padano cheese, cut to 1/8-inch thick, 1/4-inch squares
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni 1-inch round stick, casing removed, cut to 1/8-inch thick, 1/4-inch pieces

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 225°F.
  2. In a glass measuring cup, add the olive oil, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, then stir. Microwave on high for 40 seconds, then stir to dissolve most of the salt.
  3. In a large bowl, add the Crispix® cereal.  Stir the seasoned oil mixture, then drizzle it over the cereal.  Immediately toss to evenly coat each piece of cereal.
  4. In a 13- x 9- x 2-inch baking dish, add the seasoned Crispix® cereal.  Sprinkle with parsley.  Optional:  For a spicier snack mix, also sprinkle with hot red pepper to taste, toss to combine.
  5. Bake for 5 minutes, toss, repeat, until the cereal is crunchy, about 20 minutes.  Transfer the cereal onto a paper towel lined cookie sheet, and cover with a layer of paper towel.  Allow to cool completely.
  6. In a large bowl, add the seasoned Crispix® cereal, cheese squares, and pepperoni pieces.  Toss to combine.  Transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy!
NOTE:  The seasoned Crispix® cereal can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.  Do not refrigerate.  Add the cheese and pepperoni just before serving.
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment