Chocolate Hazelnut Fritters by Mario Batali

By 1buttons

Ingredients

• 1 cup All-purpose Flour
• Salt
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 Lemon (zest grated)
• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus 4 cups for deep frying)
• 2 - 3 tablespoons Dry White Wine
• 1/2 cup Bittersweet Chocolate (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup Hazelnuts; toasted and coarsely chopped
• 1/3 cup Apricot Jam
• 1 Egg; lightly beaten
• Honey; for brushing fritters
• Confectioners' Sugar; for dusting

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from abc.go.com

Preparation

Step 1

1 cup All-purpose Flour
Salt
2 1/2 tablespoons Sugar
1 Lemon (zest grated)
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 - 3 tablespoons Dry White Wine

Mound the Flour on a work surface and make a well in the center. Add the Salt, Sugar, Lemon Zest, the 1/4 cup of Olive Oil, & 2 tablespoons Wine, and gradually mix in the Flour. If the dough is very dry, add up to 1 more tablespoon of Wine. Knead for 5 minutes, or until firm but tender. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes.

1/2 cup Bittersweet Chocolate (roughly chopped)
1/2 cup Hazelnuts; toasted and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup Apricot Jam

In a small bowl, combine the Chocolate, Nuts, and Jam and mix well with a spoon. Cover the filling and set aside.

1 Egg; lightly beaten

On a floured surface, roll the dough out 1/4-inch thick. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible. Place a dab of filling on each circle of dough, moisten the edges with a bit of beaten Egg, and fold each round in half, pressing the edges with your fingertips to seal, or crimp with a fork.

In a large deep pot, heat the oil to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the fritters until they are deep golden brown. With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.

Honey; for brushing fritters
Confectioners' Sugar; for dusting

Brush each fritter with Honey, and serve hot or at room temperature.

Helpful Tips:
1. Using extra virgin olive oil adds flavor, and also makes the pastry dough tender.
2. Adding a pinch of sugar to the egg wash keeps it from appearing to separate.