Thick Wandies Recipes

ITALIAN BOWTIE PASTRY (WANDAS)

Steps:

• In one bowl, mix flour, salt and sugar.
• In a separate bowl, blend egg, butter and vanilla.
• Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the egg mixture, mix until a stiff dough forms.
• Add sherry a tablespoon at a time until the dough becomes smooth and pliable.
• Cover and chill 2 hours.
• Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch.
• Cut narrow strips and twist into loose knots.
• Fill deep fryer or heavy pot with 1-1/2 to 2 inches of oil.
• Heat to 375 degrees F.
• Fry cookies until they puff and turn golden brown (about 2 minutes).
• Drain on paper towels or brown bags.
• Dust with sugar while still warm.

WANDI'S, NEAPOLITIN BALLS OR STRUFFOLI

Steps:

• 1. Blend the flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Mix in the butter with a pastry blender or fork. Blend in the vanilla and eggs 2 at a time. The batter should be like very thick cookie dough.
• 2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until very smooth. Flour your hands when the dough gets sticky. Place the dough on a floured board and form into a large ball, dust lightly with flour and cover with a clean cloth and let sit for 30 minutes.
• 3. STRUFFOLI/WANDI'S: Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4" thick and cut into strips about 1 1/2" wide and 10" to 12" long. Shape into bows or roll into semi loose coils. Fry in hot oil and dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
• 4. NEAPOLITAN BALLS: Divide dough into 4 parts. Roll each part into a long rope about 1/2" thick and cut into 1/2" pieces. Fry pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, drizzle with warm honey. Can add a pinch of orange or lemon peel to the honey for extra flavor. Decorate with colored sprinkles after drizzling with honey or omit the honey and dust with powdered sugar.