Cicerchiata

Ingredients:

3 cups all purpose flour
4 extra large eggs
1 tbsp. lemon rind, grated
4 cups vegetable oil
1 cup honey
2 cups whole hazelnuts
4 squares (4 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate

Preparation:

Place flour in a large bowl, make a well.
Add eggs and lemon rind. Mix.
Knead till dough is elastic, set aside for 30 minutes.
Take a small amount of dough and roll into a long strip, cut short lengths to form small balls.
In a deep fryer, cook dough pieces until golden.
Bring honey to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add chocolate, cook until melted.
Remove from heat and add nuts.
Coat balls in honey, chocolate and nut mixture.
In a tube pan, pile honey coated balls around sides.
Cool slightly and press balls together.