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SCALILLE: CALABRIAN CHRISTMAS HONEY FRITTERS

These traditional Calabrian “little ladders” are simple, authentic, and pure holiday magic
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Christmas Italian Recipes, Italian Cookies
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10

Notes

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (½ kg)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract or 1 tablespoon anise liqueur
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For frying & finishing

  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup honey, warmed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the egg mixture
    In a large bowl, whisk together 3 whole eggs + 3 yolks with the sugar until pale and creamy.
  2. Add the dry ingredients
    Slowly add the flour, mixing continuously. Incorporate the olive oil, anise, and cinnamon.
    Knead until the dough is firm and smooth.
  3. Shape the spirals
    • Cut the dough into small pieces.
    • Roll each piece into a rope about 10 inches long, pencil-thick.
    • Wrap around your fingers or a wooden spoon handle to form a spiral, then slide off gently.
    • Rest the spirals on a floured cloth for 20 minutes.
  4. Fry the scalille
    Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
    Fry in small batches, turning until golden.
    Drain on paper towels.
  5. Glaze with honey
    Warm the honey and dip each fritter in, or drizzle generously on top.
Keyword scalille recipe, scaliddi, scalidde, calabrian christmas fritters, honey spirals, italian holiday desserts, calabrian sweets, fried italian pastries, authentic italian christmas recipes