She would drop a large gob from a spoon into hot oil and deep fry them. When done, it would be a hollow ball of fried dough and she would sprinkle powdered sugar over them.
If any Freepers have the recipe, please post it or Freepmail me.
My lovely gramma died without giving us the recipe.
http://www.mangiarebene.net/academy/italy/SICILIA/sfinci.html
Sfinci for St. Joseph (San Giuseppe)
500 g flour
3 eggs
3 yolks
200 g sugar
fresh yeast 1 tbsp
250 g milk
1 1/2 tbsp vanilla powder
frying oil
Together with neapolitan Zeppole, these are the cakes served for the feast of Saint Joseph on the 19th March. They used to be cooked in the street and sold by vendors or given as gifts.
Place the flour the 3 whole eggs, 3 yolks, in a bowl. Warm the milk and melt the fresh yeast inside. Add little by litle to the bowl working the mixture with your fingers until you obtain a smooth soft paste. Let it rise in a warm draftless place until it forms small bubbles. cut off small pieces and deep fry in hot oil. As oon as they turn brown remove them and drain off the excess oil.
Sprinkle with sugar.
Sfinci can be eaten plain or stuffed with pastry cream.
Lots of recipes for "St. Joseph Cream Puffs on this thread. (five or six)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1803230/posts