Chiacchiere (Italian fried pastries)

Ingredients

• 2 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons Lard (or butter)
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Grappa (see notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
• Oil for frying (as needed)
• Confectioner's sugar (for dusting)
• 1 Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the dough ---

2. 2

   Place the flour on a working surface and add the baking powder, sugar, and salt. Make a well and crack the eggs.

3. 3

   Add vanilla extract and then pour the grappa. With a fork, combine the ingredients in the middle.

4. 4

   Add the pork lard and using a spatula start mixing the ingredients just until combined.

5. 5

   Knead for about 15 minutes or until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough. NOTE: You can also make the dough in a stand mixer.*

6. 6

   Make a ball, wrap it with plastic wrap, and leave it to rest for 1 hour.

7. 7

   --- Roll & Cut ---

8. 8

   Lightly flour a working surface and roll the dough into a thin sheet (about 3 mm/ 0,40″).

9. 9

   Cut the dough with a fluted ravioli wheel into a large rectangle about 18×7″ (45x18cm).

10. 10

    Cut that rectangle longwise in two parts, obtaining two strips of dough.

11. 11

    Cut each strip into 8 rectangles, making 16 pastries in total from the dough. Make two small cuts longwise in the middle of each piece.

12. 12

    --- Fry ---

13. 13

    Heat a good amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chiacchiere 3-4 at a time until crispy and golden.

14. 14

    Place them on a lined paper plate to drain the excess oil.

15. 15

    Transfer to a serving place, dust with confectioner's sugar, and serve.