Apple Zeppole With Jelly Dipping Sauce

Studentchef's Note:

A really great Chanukkah recipe I found on Aish.com. This is defientely a keeper. A little secret that I want to share with you all. There are some recipes that I've posted here that I make for certain holidays, but sometimes I like to make them during other times of the year, when it's not holiday time, because they are just plain delicious. These may be one of them!

• Total Time: 28 mins
• Prep Time: 8 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 granny smith apple, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1 tablespoon orange juice

Directions:

1. .In a medium saucepan, heat butter, water, sugar, cinnamon and salt and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add flour. Return to low heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Continue to cook for 1 minute.
2. Transfer dough to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on low speed with a paddle attachment for 1 minute or until cooled slightly. Add eggs one at a time. Add apple and mix until just combined.
3. In a heavy medium sized pan, heat oil to 350 F on a candy or deep fry thermometer. Using a 1 teaspoon scoop, carefully drop batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough and dust with powdered sugar.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together jam and orange juice and serve with zeppole.