PURCIDDUZZI

Purcidduzzi is a traditional Christmas treat in the region of Puglia where Scarano is from. These are simple to make, and the orange zest-flavored olive oil is a delicious surprise in the dough. Mix the dough in a bowl or mix it together right on your work surface.

You can bake these, but traditionally they are fried. Tiny balls, piled on a cake plate, make a festive holiday centerpiece. The smaller the ball, the crunchier the purcidduzzi will be. We found some of our taste testers preferred them a little bigger so the interior retained a soft texture.

If you like, fry all these ahead of time and then wait to glaze until just before serving. Be sure you use a honey with a flavor you enjoy because it will be a predominant feature of the finished cookies.

4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking

powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup pure olive oil Peel of 1 orange

3/4 cup dry white wine,

warmed, or as needed Vegetable oil, for frying 1 cup honey Sprinkles and cinnamon,

for garnish

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

In a small skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and add orange peel. When orange peel is sizzling, remove pan from heat, discard peel and pour olive oil over flour mixture. Use a fork to start mixing and then use your hands to keep working the dough. Add the warmed wine a little bit at a time until dough becomes smooth and pliable. Form the dough into 1-inch-wide ropes and then cut into ½-inch pieces. Set aside, covered.

In a Dutch oven or fryer, heat oil to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.

Add the balls and fry until golden, about 2 minutes. Do not crowd fryer. Remove balls from hot oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

In a small saucepan, heat honey on low heat. Drop warm balls in honey to coat, then arrange on serving plate. Dust with cinnamon and top with sprinkles. Serves 12. Adapted from a recipe provided by Caterina Scarano.

Per serving: 408 calories (percent of calories from fat, 41), 4 grams protein, 55 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 18 grams fat (2 grams saturated), no cholesterol, 221 milligrams sodium.

Purcidduzzi (fried cookies made with olive-oil dough) can serve as a holiday centerpiece.