Italian Bowknot Cookies

Great unusual fried cookies--the original name is 'Cenci alla Fiorentina.' It came from my Italian cousins. I used these for a bake sale once and ran out before I even got started!

• Preparation Time: 60 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 144 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup honey (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together. Cut in the butter until well-blended. Stir in the eggs and mix thoroughly.

Step 2

Knead dough on a floured surface until dough is elastic. Let dough rest for 1 hour.

Step 3

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 4

Divide dough into 4 parts, keeping each piece covered until ready to use. Roll each piece into a thin rectangle, about 8x10 inches. Cut dough into strips about 8 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Tie each strip into loose knot.

Step 5

Fry cookies in hot oil 3 to 4 at a time, until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain well and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and honey, if desired. Serve hot or cold. Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container (see Editor's Note).