There are smells that don’t just remind you of childhood. they are Christmas. The kind that stop you in your tracks and pull you right back to being little again, barefoot in the kitchen while the house is still dark and glowing with Christmas lights. Honey slowly melting on the stove, oil warming in the pan, and Mama moving quietly through the kitchen before the sun was even up, making sure everything felt just right for Christmas Day. Christmas meant everyone squeezed into one warm kitchen while the rest of the house slowly woke up. The tree lit in the corner, music playing low, flour on the table, and Mama cooking with pure love. never rushing, never measuring. My brother, my sister, and I rolled dough into little ropes, cut pieces, and took turns pressing the grooves with the basket, laughing when they came out uneven. Mama would smile and say they were perfect, because to her, we were.

When the turdilli hit the oil, the whole house came alive. The smell mixed with pine from the tree, coffee brewing, and laughter filling every room. Once they were golden, Mama rolled them through warm honey, lining them up carefully while our fingers stuck together. Those were the moments that made Christmas feel like Christmas—the ones you don’t realize you’re collecting until years later, when you’d give anything to step back into that kitchen, just one more Christmas morning.
This isn’t just a recipe. It’s family, tradition, and love passed hand to hand. And this time, we made them the way Mama does best. using Gratsi Red, adding another layer of warmth and memory to a classic that will always feel like home.

STEP 1

Prepare the Dough Base
In a saucepan, combine the Gratsi wine, honey, and oil. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.

STEP 2

Mix the Dough
Add the flour to a stand mixer bowl. Slowly pour in the warm liquid mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms.

STEP 3

Shape the Turdilli
Take a small piece of dough and roll it into a rope about 1 inch thick. Cut into 2-inch pieces. Using the bottom of a clean, dry basket (or fork), gently roll each piece to create grooves.

STEP 4

Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the turdilli in batches until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

STEP 5

Honey Coating
In a separate pan, gently warm the honey over low heat. Roll the warm turdilli in the honey until fully coated.
Place them on a plate without overlapping, as they will stick.

Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy this sweet Calabrian classic!