Best 3 Italian Honey Clusters Recipes
Indulge in the delectable world of Italian Honey Clusters, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These golden-brown clusters, also known as "croccante alle mandorle", are a beloved Italian confection that combines the irresistible crunch of toasted almonds with the rich sweetness of honey. Originating from the charming town of Canosa di Puglia, these clusters have captured the hearts of sweet enthusiasts worldwide. With a myriad of variations, each recipe adds a unique twist to this classic treat. Some recipes incorporate chopped walnuts or pistachios for a nutty symphony, while others introduce citrus zest or spices like cinnamon and cloves for a burst of aromatic warmth. Whether you prefer a simple honey glaze or a decadent chocolate coating, the possibilities are limitless. As you explore the recipes in this article, embark on a culinary journey that will unveil the secrets behind this timeless Italian delicacy.
Let's cook with our recipes!
STRUFOLI I
Italian cookie also known as honey clusters. My family has made these every Christmas for years. We make several batches and like to use a little extra chocolate. Walnuts or pine nuts also work in place of almonds. If the batter is to sticky add a little extra flour. Good luck.
Provided by Nancy
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place eggs in bowl and beat until they have tripled in volume. Add flour gradually until well blended (do not use all the flour). The dough should remain slightly sticky.
- Transfer to floured board. Cut off a piece at a time. Using a little flour, if needed, roll between your hands to form pencil shapes.
- Cut into 1/4 inch pieces. Place each on floured cloth. In a large pan on top of the stove, heat oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Deep-fry pieces about 1/2 cup at a time, turning constantly until golden. Drain and set aside. (Note: after several batches, dough begins to turn brown quickly. This means it is time to change the oil)
- In large pan, bring honey to boil with vanilla bean. Discard bean. Place deep-fried pieces into hot honey and toss until all are coated. Cool and stir in chocolate, nuts, and multi-colored jimmies. Place on plate, shaping firmly into tall cone. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.9 calories, Carbohydrate 90.8 g, Cholesterol 93 mg, Fat 12 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 39.7 mg, Sugar 59.4 g
STRUFFOLI O CICERCHIATA (ITALIAN HONEY DOUGH BALLS)
This traditional Italian sweet has different names in different regions: Struffoli in Naples area, which are among the most popular Christmas sweets; Cicerchiata in Abruzzi region, where you cannot miss them during Carnival time. The concept is simple: fried sweet dough balls, coated in caramelized honey. Tasty and long lasting, as you can make them at the beginning of the holiday season and offer them to friends and relatives coming over for holiday wishes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Garnish with candied orange or lemon peel if desired.
Provided by lacucinadinadia
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 57m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix flour, eggs, butter, sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest, rum extract, and salt together in a large bowl to create a soft dough. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into a thin log the width of your pinky finger, about 1/4 inch. Cut log into small pieces; roll into balls. Dust with flour to prevent from sticking.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Place a few balls of dough in a sieve to shake off excess flour. Cook in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining balls of dough.
- Pour honey into a saucepan over low heat. Cook until a small amount of honey dropped into cold water forms a soft ball. Add fried balls of dough to the hot honey; stir gently with a wooden spoon until coated.
- Rinse a serving plate and shake off the water. Pile dough balls onto the serving plate in the shape of a dome or ring using damp hands or a damp wooden spoon. Garnish with sugar sprinkles. Let cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 635.7 calories, Carbohydrate 110.8 g, Cholesterol 111.7 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 9.3 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 94 mg, Sugar 65.4 g
ALMOND HONEY CLUSTERS
Make and share this Almond Honey Clusters recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories Dessert
Time 45m
Yield 32 clusters
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 250°F
- Place 1 1/2 cup of the almonds in the blender or food processor and process until ground.
- Line a baking sheet with greased foil. Stir together ground almonds, whole almonds and honey in a medium bowl, mixing well. Line the work surface with wax paper. With clean, wet hands, form the almond/honey mixture into a sticky ball; divide in half. Keep dividing each ball in half until there are 32 small clusters. Lay each cluster on the prepared baking sheet and bake 30 minutes.
- Let cool completely before removing from foil. Cookies will still be soft and chewy.
- Serve, or store airtight for up to 3 days.
- To roast whole almonds:.
- Spread in an ungreased baking pan. Place in 350ºF oven and bake 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Stir once or twice to assure even browning. Almonds will continue to roast slightly after removing from oven.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.1, Fat 6.2, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 0.3, Carbohydrate 6.8, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 4.9, Protein 2.6
Tips:
- Use fresh, quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality nuts and honey will result in the best-tasting clusters.
- Toast the nuts: Toasting the nuts brings out their flavor and aroma. You can toast them in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Use a variety of nuts: Feel free to mix and match different types of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. You can also add seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Use a good quality honey: The honey you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your clusters. Look for a honey that is thick and flavorful.
- Use a heavy saucepan: A heavy saucepan will help to prevent the honey from burning.
- Do not overcook the honey: Overcooked honey will be too thick and hard. Cook the honey until it has reached the desired consistency, which is about 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the nuts and seeds to the honey mixture: Once the honey has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add the nuts and seeds. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet: Pour the honey-nut mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread it out into a thin layer.
- Let the mixture cool and harden: Let the mixture cool and harden completely. This may take several hours or overnight.
- Break the clusters into pieces: Once the mixture has hardened, break it into pieces and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Italian honey clusters are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are made with just a few simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking. With these tips, you can make the perfect Italian honey clusters every time.
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