Zeppole

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the butter with 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
2. 2
   Heat over medium until the butter melts and the water shimmers.
3. 3
   Sift the flour into the melted butter and water.
4. 4
   Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together (it will be the consistency of a cookie dough).
5. 5
   Transfer the dough to a bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
6. 6
   Using a wooden spoon, beat the eggs into the dough 1 at a time.
7. 7
   Spoon the dough into a pastry bag.
8. 8
   Pipe circles (the size is up to you) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9
   Set the zeppole aside to rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour.
10. 10
    In a heavy high-sided pot heat 2-inches of oil over medium-high until it reaches 350 degrees F. Drop 2 or 3 zeppole into the oil and fry until crisp and golden, about 4 minutes per side.
11. 11
    Drain the zeppole on a plate lined with paper towels and repeat, until all the zeppole are fried.
12. 12
    When the zeppole are just cool enough to handle, roll them in sugar.
13. 13
    Serve the zeppole warm topped with honey, if desired.