Xerotigana literally means dry, as in crunchy and fried. This confection, essentially dough strips fried in olive or other oil and drizzled generously with honey and nuts, is one of the classic Christmas sweets on the island. My dad made mountains of them every Christmas in our New York home, perhaps waxing nostalgic if in private about his love of the island where he grew up. Some cooks pinch the strips together in the center to form little bows. The pastry should be crisp and lightly redolent of eggs. These may be made a day in advance, but not drizzled with honey until just before serving, to prevent them from softening.