Wandies Recipes

THIN WANDIES

Steps:

• Heat oil in deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla and melted butter until well blended. Mix in the salt and baking powder. Gradually stir in flour with a wooden spoon until dough is stiff. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead in as much flour as necessary to make a smooth stiff dough. Dough should not be sticky. Roll the dough out paper thin and cut into 3 inch squares.
• Fry in the hot oil, turning once until golden. Drain in colander and place them into a waxed paper lined bushel basket. Dust with confectioners' sugar when cool.

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.

WANDIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla, orange extract, orange zest, orange juice concentrate and heavy cream until very well blended. Stir in the baking powder and salt. Gradually mix in enough flour to form a soft but firm dough.
• Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep cast iron skillet or electric skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into 3x2 inch squares and make a slit in the middle of each one.
• Fry on each side in the hot oil until golden brown. Add more oil to the skillet as needed. When cooled dust cookies with confectioners' sugar.

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.