Crostoli Pastries

Crostoli are a huge part of 'Carnevale' or 'Carnival' in Italy; these light, airy fried pastries are also a favorite holiday treat for Italian-Americans. This family favorite has been handed down from my great-grandmother, who brought the recipe with her when she emigrated to the U.S. from the Veneto region of Italy.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 87 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• vegetable oil for frying
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons rum (Optional)
• confectioners' sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

With an electric mixer on high speed, beat together salt, sugar, and eggs until very fluffy. Stir in evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and rum. Gradually mix in flour; knead well with dough hook until dough begins to blister, about 10 minutes. (If dough is still sticking to bowl after 5 minutes, mix in 2 tablespoons of additional flour, 1/2 tablespoon at a time.) Remove dough, and cover with plastic wrap; set aside 20 minutes.

Step 2

Pour oil into a deep fryer or Dutch oven to a depth of 2 inches, and heat over medium heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 3

Separate dough into small portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough portions until very thin. Cut into long, narrow strips (about 6 inches by 1 inch). With a sharp knife, make a slit in the center of each strip, and draw one end through the slit.

Step 4

Fry in hot oil until puffy, blistered, and very light golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to paper towels to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Store in an airtight container.