A Taste of Christmas - Struffoli at SUD - Quarto (Na)

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I chose a Saturday evening to do my "Merry Christmas" rounds.  A Saturday evening to drive to Quarto to drop in on friends  with a Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.  I chose a Saturday evening to chat with Chef Marianna Vitale in the cozy kitchen of her restaurant SUD.
Chef Marianna Vitale 
 I arrived before the dinner rush, so there was plenty of time to chat with the chef as she and her staff were preparing for a busy evening. Plenty of time for my dozen or so questions for Vitale about Napoli and traditional Christmas recipes. Like the one she was preparing - struffoli.   This colorful   dessert is a must on every Neapolitan Christmas table.  And just like any classic, each family has their variations on the recipe but it basically goes like this...
Balls of dough are fried and then drained on paper towels...


they are then drenched in honey ...


then decorated with colorful sprinkles and candied fruits....






I grabbed  a plate of these warm honey balls as Vitale continued to sprinkle her Christmas cheer onto the small shiny stacks of struffoli.  A tasty tradition, perfect for after dinner...perfect for snacking on while playing tombola...and perfect for  sharing with friends during a Merry Christmas rounds.

Merry Christmas!

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