Rosettes
Ingredients:
3 eggs + 2 egg yolks
1 tbsp confectioner's sugar (plus some extra for sprinkling)
1 tbsp softened butter
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups flour (plus some extra for kneading and rolling out)
Jelly or jam (any kind)
Beat the eggs and egg yolks for about one minute. Add sugar, butter, and salt; beat again for about 30 seconds.
Add two cups of flour and mix well with a spoon (not mixer).
Knead the dough, adding flour to prevent from sticking to your hands.
Using a small amount of dough at a time (depends on your surface; I usually use a golf-ball size at a time), roll very thin (about 1/8 inch or even thinner).
Using three sizes of cookie cutters (unless you are in a hurry -- in that case, one size works fine), cut three circles for each rosette. Stack cirlces, beginning with the largest. Press the centers together with a pen. Make about five even slits on the outer edge to form petals.
Preheat oil to about 375 F. Fry three or four rosettes at a time until they "bloom" and turn golden. Do NOT make too many rosettes before frying; I usually work with somebody else -- one makes rosettes and the other fries them.
Drain on paper towels. Lightly sprinkle with confectioner's sugar when still warm. You can also add a dab of jam or jelly to the hollow to make these treats look festive.
Do NOT sample any -- let your guests consume these extra calories. :)
Serves approximately 20 guests