In celebration of the holidays, check out these cool facts and a secret family recipe for zeppole!
INGREDIENTS
» 20 ounces whole milk ricotta
» 4 large eggs room temperature
» 4 teaspoons butter-flavored Whirl (may replace with vanilla extract OR melted unsalted whole butter).
» 2 oranges, zest only
» 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
» 3 cups all-purpose flour
» 1/2 teaspoon salt
» 4 teaspoons baking powder
» Primex Golden Flex Donut Fry Shortening (or any vegetable fry shortening or vegetable oil for frying).
*NOTE: Do not use Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Olive Oil.
» Powdered sugar for dusting OR a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon to toss the Zeppole in as a coating.
RECIPE
1. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the ricotta, eggs, Butter Flavored Whirl, orange zest, and sugar until smooth.
2. Whisk in the flour, salt, and finally the baking powder until you have a smooth batter. Set aside.
3. Put a 5-quart heavy-bottomed stockpot over a high flame and heat about 3 inches of the Primex Golden Flex Donut Shortening. You want your oil to be just under 350 degrees, use a thermometer to dial in the temp.
4. Fill a small glass or bowl with some oil as well and set aside at room temperature.
5. As soon as the oil is hot dip a small ice cream scoop or small kitchen spoon in the glass of oil first, coating the spoon or scoop with oil and then begin dropping scoops of batter into the hot oil carefully not to splash the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden brown on each side, about 1-2 minutes each, the Zeppole should flip onto the uncooked side on their own. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together some granulated sugar and ground cinnamon as desired. Roll each of the zeppole into the cinnamon and sugar or simply dust them with powdered sugar! Serve warm.