Step 1

Mix the flour, lemon and orange zest, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

Step 2

In a food processor, mix the dry ingredients with butter. Blend until all the lumps of butter are almost gone. The mixture should resemble a coarse meal.

Step 3

Slowly add the eggs and vanilla extract. Blend until the dough becomes something that resembles a big ball.

Step 4

Cover the dough with a saran wrap and keep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5

Next, roll the dough into thick cords of about a quarter of inch thick. Cut the dough into portions of about half an inch and roll each into small balls. Each dough ball should be about the size of a regular hazelnut.

Step 6

Lightly dust the dough balls with flour. Make sure to cover every one but make sure not to put too much flour.

Step 7

In a saucepan, put some oil over medium heat. Keep track of the temperature using a thermometer. Heat it up until it reaches 375° Fahrenheit.

Step 8

Fry the dough balls in batches. It should take around two to three minutes per batch. Dough balls should be a light golden brown.

Step 9

Meanwhile, line a serving plate with paper towels.

Step 10

Once the dough balls are done, place them on the plate and let the paper towels absorb the excess oil.

Step 11

Combine honey, lemon juice, rum (or brandy), and sugar in a saucepan. Cook the mixture under medium heat.

Step 12

Continuously stir the honey mixture with a spatula, and cook until all the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 13

Once it’s done, turn off the heat and add the fried dough balls carefully into the mixture. Stir the mixture carefully, making sure not to damage the dough.

Step 14

Once all the dough balls are covered with the honey mixture, transfer them to a serving plate. Set the remaining mixture aside.

Step 15

Meanwhile, arrange the dough balls around the serving platter, leaving a hole at the center. You may place a glass in the middle so that you can estimate the hole you are creating. You can also simply make a mound of dough balls at the center, if you want an easier assembly.

Step 16

After you’ve assembled the dough balls on the serving plate, carefully pour some of the remaining honey mixture on top. Put as much as you prefer.

Step 17

Next, cover the dough balls immediately with sprinkles, confectioner’s sugar, or any other edible decorations on top.

Step 18

Serve immediately!