Italian Fried Zeppoles Recipes

Steps:

• Cut open the vanilla bean lengthwise. Using the back of a knife, scrape along the inside of the vanilla bean to collect the seeds. Scrape vanilla bean seeds into a small bowl.
• Add the 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon and stir to combine. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan combine the butter, salt, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
• Take pan off the heat and stir in the flour. Return pan to the heat and stir continuously until mixture forms a ball, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer the flour mixture to a medium bowl.
• Using an electric hand mixer on low speed, add eggs, 1 at a time, incorporating each egg completely before adding the next. Beat until smooth.
• If not frying immediately, cover with plastic wrap and reserve in the refrigerator.
• Meanwhile, pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
• Using a small ice-cream scooper or 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a tablespoon of the dough into the hot olive oil, frying in batches.
• Turn the zeppole once or twice, cooking until golden and puffed up, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• Toss with cinnamon-sugar. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Heat about 3 inches of oil in a saucepan to 375°F (119°C).
• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water; set aside for 10 minutes.
• Stir the remaining 1/2 cup water into the bowl.
• Add flour, beating vigorously until a soft dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface, and knead with greased hands until smooth.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface.
• Cover with a damp cloth.
• Let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, about 1 to 1/1/2 hours.
• Fry golf ball sizes of dough in batches until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, and eat while still hot.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Stir in the eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla. Mix gently over low heat until combined. Batter will be sticky.
• Drop by tablespoons into the hot oil a few at a time. Zeppole will turn over by themselves. Fry until golden brown, about 3 or 4 minutes. Drain in a paper sack and dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve warm.

Steps:

• In a heavy deep skillet, heat the oil to 375 degrees. If you have a fryer, set to manufacturers directions for 375. Fill with enough oil so it is about 2 inches deep.
• mix the first three ingredients together thorughly and set aside.
• In a seperate bowl, mix eggs, vanilla, cheese, sugar and wine if using. Mix until uniform.
• add the dry ingredients to the wet and FOLD until no more flour is visible (do not overmix or you'll have fried belly bombs). Let rest on counter for 10 minutes.
• Drop batter (VERY carefully) into hot oil by teaspoonfuls and remove once golden brown and fried through, about 4 minutes. Turn so they dont get too dark once or twice. Some will turn over on their own but keep them moving a bit. Drain on paper towel lined dish.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve while warm.

Steps:

• Mix flour, yeast, salt, and water. Let rest in refrigerator. After dough rests for about 2 hours, divide dough into 16 pieces. Place an anchovy in your palm. Fold dough over and make a ball. In heavy pot, heat oil. Add to hot oil and cook until golden brown.
• Yield: 16 zeppole.
• Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes.