Step 1

Mix all ingredients for the dough in a food processor or with a stand mixer until a dough ball forms. Knead it by hand for a few minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2

Wrap in a plastic wrap and let rest for 1 hour at room temperature.

Step 3

Once the dough is rested cut off a piece of dough and roll it with your hands into ⅓ inch (1 cm) thick rope. Then cut the rope again into ⅓ inch (1 cm) pieces.NOTE: You should not need any flour for dusting the worksurface as the dough won’t stick. But in case it does stick a little, slightly dust the worksurface with a flour.

Step 4

Roll each piece quickly between the palm of your hands (or against the work surface) giving it a round shape.Arrange on 6"x6" *(5x15 cm) piece of parchement paper. This will help transfer the balls into hot oil quickly and without burning yourself.

Step 5

Roll the rest of the dough.

Step 6

Preheat vegetable oil for frying in a deep pan to 350F (175C) - perfect temperature for frying.Make sure to heat the oil on medium heat and use enough of it so that the dough balls float freely in the pan.

Step 7

Let dough balls slide from parchment paper into hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Toss and flip the dough balls from time to time until lightly golden brown.

Step 8

Once ready transfer fried struffoli on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

Step 9

Warm up honey on very low heat until fluid. Add struffoli and stir gently to cover them all.

Step 10

Cut both cherries and orange peels into small cubes. You can mix some into honey-covered struffoli or use them only for decoration at the next step.

Step 11

Mound struffoli on a serving plate forming a mountain shape or a ring shape. To make a ring shape, brush the sides of a glass or a small ball with a litttle oil or cooking spray and place it in the center of a plate. Arrange honey balls around it. Allow struffoli to set to about 2 hours then remove the glass. Decorate with candied fruit and sugar sprinkles.

Step 12

Have a serving spoon and cupcake cups ready for serving.