Zeppole {Italian Donuts}

Zeppole is a dessert that I grew up eating. We are not Italian however, my grandmother traveled and learned to cook dishes from the places that she visited. My grandmother loved traveling just as much as she loved to cook. She brought home so many different recipes that she made for us. I loved being in the kitchen with her learning how to cook. I learned to cook on a cast iron stove as well as cast iron cooking. Although this dish is not cooked on either you can certainly use a dutch oven to fry these in. All you have to do is heat your oil in your dutch oven instead of the fryer. However you fry these they will turn out absolutely delicious.

Here is what you will need:

INGREDIENTS:

1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup sugar plus 3 tbsp
1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1 stick butter – room temp
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup water
1 cup all purpose flour
4 eggs
oil for frying

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium sauce pan over medium low heat combine the butter, water, vanilla, and the 3 tbsp sugar. Bring to a boil . Take the pan off the heat and stir in the flour. Return the pan to the heat and cook for about 3 minutes. This will cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture will turn into a dough ball.
2. Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment ( you can use a handheld mixer if you have one). Turn the mixer on speed 2 or 3 and add the eggs one at a time incorporating each egg completely before adding the other. Mix until completely smooth. ( if you are not cooking right away you can cover with plastic and keep in the refrigerator.
3. In a large bowl combine the 1 cup sugar and the cinnamon and set aside.
4. Heat the oil to 375* and using a small scoop, scoop out the dough and carefully place in the hot oil. Cook until golden and cooked through. Turn the donuts to ensure even browning on all sides. Remove and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Roll in the cinnamon sugar and place on a tray or bowl to serve.

ENJOY!