Sometimes, you just want to put something different from the usual goodies on your holiday dessert table. Or maybe something new in addition to the usual because if we’re honest, we don’t want to get rid of the pecan pie, cookie trays, chocolate candy, or even the much-maligned fruit cake. But we would like to mix it up a bit and add something unexpected, and this year, that something is: Struffoli.

These Italian honey dough balls are sweet small rounds of fried dough, often arranged in a festive wreath shape, and coated with caramelized honey. We’re kind of wondering why they haven’t become standard on American holiday dessert tables, but Italian-Americans and those who live in Italy know the deliciousness of this fried pastry that’s garnished with sprinkles or with candied orange or lemon peel depending on preference.