St. Joseph'S Cream Puffs(Sfinge Di San Giuseppe)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: Italian

Delightful cream puffs with a crispy exterior, filled with honey and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for special occasions or sweet gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. butter
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 c. water
  • shot of whiskey
  • 1 Tbsp. orange rind
  • 2 c. flour
  • 7 eggs
  • 1 c. honey
  • 1/4 c. powdered sugar
  • 4 to 6 c. oil

Instructions

  1. Place butter, water, whiskey, and orange rind in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
  2. Add flour and salt; keep stirring until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
  3. Remove from stove and add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
  4. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into hot oil and fry in a deep saucepan.
  5. Cook until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
  6. Toss the fried puffs in honey, arrange on a platter, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; this helps the puffs rise properly. If you prefer a twist, consider adding lemon zest instead of orange rind. If you're out of whiskey, a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor. When mixing in the eggs, make sure the mixture is cool enough to avoid cooking them. For a fun variation, try filling the puffs with pastry cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful cream puffs warm, drizzled with honey and dusted with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with coffee or a sweet dessert wine. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Grilled Antipasto Salad or alongside a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of St. Joseph'S Cream Puffs(Sfinge Di San Giuseppe) contains roughly 1571 calories, with 21g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2084mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

1571 kcal 79% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.7g 41% DV
Total Fat 80.6g 100% DV
Carbs 192.4g 70% DV
Fiber 3.2g 12% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2083.8mg 91% DV
Potassium 777mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 354.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 75.6mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 293.1mg 23% DV
Iron 7.9mg 44% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

It's best to use the dough fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as it can change the texture. Fry right before serving for the best results.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. This ensures the cream puffs fry evenly without imparting unwanted flavors. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point.

Can I freeze the cream puffs?

Yes, you can freeze the puffs after frying. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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