Ricotta Sweet Potato 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.

SWEET POTATO BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Combine the sweet potato, squash, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl and mash with a fork. Discard the cinnamon sticks; let the liquid cool until just warm.
• Transfer 1/4 cup of the warm cooking liquid to a small bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside until foamy, about 8 minutes. Stir the salt, yeast mixture and another 1/2 cup cooking liquid into the potato mixture. Add the flour and knead by hand until combined (the dough will be sticky). Cover with plastic wrap; set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the syrup: Bring the sugar, molasses, the remaining cinnamon stick and 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds, the orange zest, lemon juice and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick and orange zest. Let the syrup cool slightly.
• Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360 degrees F. Fry heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough, turning once or twice, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes; drain on paper towels. Drizzle with the syrup.

SWEET POTATO RICOTTA FRITTERS

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix until smooth. Form into 1 1/2-inch balls (the size of a walnut) and set aside on a cookie sheet.
• 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 crowing the pot, fry the balls until golden brown all over, moving them around in the oil to make sure they brown evenly. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. (Let the oil return to 365 degrees F between batches.)
• Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

TWICE BAKED SWEET POTATOES WITH RICOTTA CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake until soft, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool until potatoes can be handled, about 20 minutes.
• Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large baking sheet.
• Meanwhile, place olive oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook and stir until softened and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
• Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out pulp, leaving a thin shell. Set shells aside. Place pulp into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add ricotta, salt, pepper, ginger, and sugar to the blender; blend until smooth.
• Return potato mixture to a bowl; stir in shallots, Parmesan cheese, and sage. Spoon mixture back into potato skins. Place potatoes on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until heated through, about 30 minutes.