Country: Italy Servings: Serves 6

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups / 240 g
• Water – 1 cup / 240 ml
• Butter – 1/4 cup / 56 g
• Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp / 24 g
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• Eggs – 4 large
• Ricotta cheese – 2 cups / 500 g
• Powdered sugar – 1/2 cup / 60 g
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Chocolate chips – 1/2 cup / 90 g
• Candied orange peel – 1/4 cup / 50 g
• Vegetable oil for frying – as needed
• Pistachios – 1/4 cup / 30 g, chopped

Instructions

1. Boil water with butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in flour until it forms a dough.
2. Return to medium heat, stirring constantly until the dough forms a ball and a film covers the pan’s bottom. Cool slightly.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time into the dough using a mixer until smooth.
4. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the sfinci and drain on paper towels.
6. Mix ricotta with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Once cooled, cut sfinci open and fill with ricotta mixture.
8. Top with candied orange peel and chopped pistachios to serve.

Substitutions

• Ricotta cheese -> Mascarpone cheese
• Butter -> Margarine
• Vegetable oil -> Canola oil

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Use more vanilla extract for a richer aroma.
• Add lemon zest to the ricotta filling for a tangy twist.
• Include a soak in honey syrup post-frying for extra sweetness and moisture.