Ricotta Beignets Food

RICOTTA BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Cover a baking sheet with several layers of paper towels.
• In a large bowl, whisk the ricotta to loosen it slightly. Add the eggs and egg yolk and whisk to combine. Add the granulated sugar and orange zest and whisk to combine. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add the seeds to the bowl (use the pod for vanilla sugar; see Chef's Notes) and whisk to combine. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk just to combine--do not overmix. The batter can be used immediately or refrigerated overnight (see Chef's Notes).
• In a medium pot, heat about 4 inches of oil over medium heat. You can either attach a deep-fry or candy thermometer to the pot and heat until it reads around 325 degrees F (162 degrees C) or just use a little bit of batter to test the oil temperature: If the batter immediately sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready; if the batter begins to brown immediately, the oil is too hot--remove it from the heat and let it cool somewhat, then try the test again.
• Working in batches so you don't overcrowd the pot, drop tablespoons of dough (I use a No. 60 or 1-tablespoon scoop, but you can just wing it) into the hot oil and fry, turning occasionally, until the beignets are golden brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or a spider to lift the beignets out of the oil and set them on the paper towels to drain.
• Transfer the warm beignets to a serving platter. Sift powdered sugar generously over them and serve immediately.

RICOTTA SWEET POTATO BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Make the Beignets: combine all the ingredients in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix until smooth. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls (the size of a walnut) and set aside on a plate. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Just before serving, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a deep, heavy pot fitted with a deep-frying thermometer to 365 degrees F. Working in batches, to avoid crowding the pot, fry the balls until golden brown all over, moving them around in the oil to make sure they cook and brown evenly. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels or a brown paper bag. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. (Make sure to let the oil return to 365 degrees F between batches.)