Carnivale begins tomorrow (February 26, 2011), and when I was in Venice the city was putting on her best clothes and getting ready.  One of the city's traditional Carnivale sweets is a fried pastry, the yummy frittelle.  Resembling a doughnut, these scrumptious sweets come in several tasty varieties.

The most traditional Venetian version incorporates currants or raisins and orange peel into a heavier dough that is fried.  However, bakeries are filled with the decadent treats in a range of tempting flavors including apple and cinnamon.  There is also a lighter, filled variety (much like a cream puff, but yummier) which may be filled with chantilly cream, chocolate, ricotta cheese, or even Nutella.

Other parts of Italy also enjoy Frittelle with regional differences.  Check out Divina Cucina's recipe for the Tuscan version:   Frittelle di Riso (Rice Fritters).

And the City of Venice provides an easy recipe for the traditional Frittelle as well as another Canivale treat, Galani:   Frittelle e Galani.

Headed to Venice for Carnivale?  Be sure to make time for a cafe and a Frittelle during your visit!  And come back next week for our Carnivale Giveaway!