Ingredients
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/2 cup sugar plus 3 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 stick butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup all purpose four
- 4 eggs
- olive oil for frying
Preparation
Step 1
Cut open the vanilla beah lengthwise. Using the back of a knife, scrap 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 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 3-5 minutes. Transfer the flour mixture to a medium bowl. Using an electric 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 oil into large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 375 degrees. Using small ice cream scoop 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.