ZEPPOLE DOUGH 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:

• Mix until dough forms a smooth dough and if still sticky add a little more flour by a tablespoon at a time. 
• Place in a bowl, cover with a towel that has been dampened and wait until double in size as it rises. 
• Stretch out around two tablespoons of dough into a circle poking a hole in the center like a doughnut or shape into small round balls.
• . Place on a cookie sheet, lined with floured parchment paper. 
• In the meantime, heat the oil in a fry pan, on medium-low heat. 
• Place a little piece of dough, (the size of a dime) in the oil to see if it sizzles and it hot enough. 
• Place the stretched out the dough or dough balls,  into the oil and fry on both sides until golden brown. 
• Take out of oil when done, place on paper towels to drain oil. 
• Sprinkle with regular white sugar, powdered sugar or flavored sugar such as cinnamon and sugar.