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St. Joseph’s Zeppole is a traditional Italian pastry that is commonly prepared and enjoyed during the Feast of St. Joseph, which falls annually on March 19th. These deep-fried dough balls are filled with custard or cannoli cream and topped with powdered sugar, making them a delicious treat for celebrating this special occasion. If you’re looking to make St. Joseph’s Zeppole at home, here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delectable dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– Oil for frying
– Custard or cannoli cream for filling
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the mixture until well-combined, and set it aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil. Once the butter has melted completely, remove the mixture from heat and add the flour mixture to the pan. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
3. Transfer the dough ball to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Then, add one egg at a time to the dough, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to approximately 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, drop the dough into the hot oil, forming small balls of about 2 inches in diameter. Fry the zeppole until they turn golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Flip them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Once the zeppole are cooked, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs, and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Once the zeppole have cooled slightly, gently poke a small hole in the side of each ball, using a skewer or the tip of a thin knife. This will create a cavity to fill with either custard or cannoli cream.
8. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip or a plastic food storage bag with the custard or cannoli cream. Insert the tip into the hole of each zeppole and squeeze the filling inside. Do this for all the zeppole.
9. Finally, dust the zeppole generously with powdered sugar, giving them a beautiful finishing touch.
St. Joseph’s Zeppole are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve them immediately after preparing for the best taste and texture. These delightful treats can be served as a dessert during St. Joseph’s Feast or any other special occasion. They are sure to impress your family and friends with their crispy exterior, creamy filling, and sweet powdered sugar garnish.
In conclusion, making St. Joseph’s Zeppole at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for a delicious taste of this traditional Italian pastry. Whether you celebrate St. Joseph’s Feast or simply want to indulge in a delightful homemade dessert, these zeppole are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!
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