Frittelle Di Natale Fried Christmas Doughnuts

Christmas in Italy is a time of joy, family, and delicious treats filling the home with warmth and cheer. One traditional Italian delight that is a must-have during the festive season is Frittelle Di Natale, or Fried Christmas Doughnuts. These little cloud-like confections are light, airy, and coated in a blanket of snowy sugar, making them a perfect addition to any holiday table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a new Christmas favorite in your home!

### Frittelle Di Natale Fried Christmas Doughnuts

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 2 large eggs
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup of raisins (optional)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting

**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. If desired, gently fold in the raisins at this point.
4. Cover the batter and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. In a deep saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying the doughnuts.
6. Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. Fry each doughnut for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and puffed up.
8. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. While still warm, dust the Frittelle Di Natale generously with powdered sugar, coating each doughnut thoroughly.
10. Serve the Fried Christmas Doughnuts warm for a delightful holiday treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of sweet wine.

Enjoy the magic of Christmas with these Frittelle Di Natale Fried Christmas Doughnuts, bringing the taste of Italy to your festive celebrations. Share these delectable treats with loved ones and create cherished memories together. Happy holidays!