Florentine Love Knot Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons rum
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• flour, for working dough
• oil, for deep-frying
• confectioners' sugar (powdered)

Directions

1. 1

   Put flour into a bowl and mix in the butter.

2. 2

   Add the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, salt, lemon zest, and rum to the flour.

3. 3

   Work the ingredients into dough.

4. 4

   If the dough is too dry add a little water.

5. 5

   Place the dough on a floured surface and knead well for 10 minutes.

6. 6

   The dough should be smooth and shiny.

7. 7

   Cover and allow to rest in a cool place for 1 hour.

8. 8

   Heat at least 3-4" of oil to 350°F

9. 9

   Divide the dough into fourths.

10. 10

    On a floured surface roll out one quarter of the dough until it is thin (1/6") and cut into strips about 4" x 1/2".

11. 11

    Tie each strip into a simple, loose knot.

12. 12

    Fry the knots, 4 or 5 at a time, until puffed up and golden (about 1-2 minutes).

13. 13

    Remove and drain on paper towels.

14. 14

    Repeat with the rest of the dough.

15. 15

    Before serving sprinkle with sifted confectioners sugar.