Italian Holiday Cookies

[nverland]

Italian Holiday Cookies
Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 15 min. Makes about 15 dozen

Ingredients

1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Oil for deep-fat frying
1 cup honey
Candy sprinkles

Directions

In a bowl, combine sugar, lemon zest, vanilla and salt. Add eggs and 2 cups flour; mix well. Turn onto a floured surface and knead in remaining flour (dough will be soft). With a floured knife or scissors, cut into 20 pieces. With hands, roll each piece into pencil shapes. Cut "pencils" into 1/2-in. pieces. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 350°. Fry pieces, a few at a time, for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Place in a large bowl. Heat honey to boiling; pour over cookies and mix well. With a slotted spoon, spoon onto a serving platter and slowly mound into a tree shape if desired. Decorate with candy sprinkles. Cool completely.