Italian Struffoli

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1/2 c granulated sugar

1/4 c vegetable oil

2 Tbsp melted butter

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp anise extract

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

All purpose flour - start with 2 cups, may add a bit more

Vegetable oil

Directions:

Beat the eggs, sugar, oil, butter, vanilla, and anise then add dry ingredients and combine with a wooden spoon. The dough should not be sticky so add enough flour (should not stick to your fingers). 

Heat a deep pot (I used a dutch oven) with 3-4 inches of vegetable oil. Hold dough the size of an egg in your left hand and break off small balls (little bigger than a pea) with your right hand. Gently place balls in oil and when "done" remove with slotted spoon. If you have a person to help it goes a lot quicker! Someone to place dough in oil and someone to remove them and place on a plate with a paper towel. 

Heat 1 cup of honey in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Take off heat and then combine about half the honey with the balls. Toss gently to coat, honey will thicken as it cools and stick to the cookies. Then add rest of honey and nonpareil sprinkles (NOT jimmy type).