Chocolate and Orange Zeppole are classic Sicilian-American cookies. They are a popular addition to the annual Feast of St. Joseph.
Chocolate and Orange Zeppole
2015-02-07 03:35:45
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, diced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Line a small bowl with several layers of cheesecloth; add ricotta. Fold cheesecloth over ricotta. Let stand 20 minutes. Discard cheesecloth. Place ricotta in the work bowl of a food processor; add 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar. Process until smooth. Spoon into a large bowl; stir in chocolate and zest. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; stir in flour. Cook over medium heat until mixture forms a thick dough, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Spoon into a large bowl; let cool 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer until combined.
- In a Dutch oven, pour oil to halfway full. Heat oil over medium-high heat until a candy or deep-fry thermometer registers 360°. Carefully drop dough by tablespoonfuls into hot oil (do not overcrowd pan). Cook until golden brown, turning occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Let stand until cool enough to handle.
- Cut each zeppole in half, and place about 2 teaspoons ricotta mixture on bottom half. Cover with top of zeppole. Dust with remaining 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately or let stand up to 1 hour.
Notes
- Tip: Use a 1 tablespoon spring-loaded ice cream scoop to drop dough in oil.
Louisiana Cookin https://www.louisianacookin.com/
