Giada's Zeppole

Watched her make these on Everyday Italian. Looks like they were simple to make, which is good because I bet they would be eaten very quickly !

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  vanilla bean
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup water
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 4  eggs
•  olive oil (for frying)
• 1⁄2 cup sugar, for coating
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon, for coating

Directions

1. Cut open vanilla bean lengthwise.
2. Using back back of a knife, scrape out the vanilla seeds.
3. Add seeds to 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon, stirring to combine; set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, salt, 3 tbsp sugar and water over medium heat.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Take pan off the heat and stir in the flour.
7. Return pan to heat and stir continuously until mixture forms a ball, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Transfer flour mixture to a medium bowl.
9. Using an electric hand mixer on low, add eggs, 1 at a time, blending each well.
10. Beat until smooth.
11. If not using dough immediately, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
12. Meanwhile pour enough oil into a large fry pan to reach a depth of 2 inches.
13. Heat oil over medium heat until temp reaches 375°F.
14. Using a small ice cream scooper or 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a tablespoon of the dough into the hot oil, frying in batches.
15. Turn the zeppole once or twice, cooking until golden and puffed up, about 5 minutes.
16. Drain on paper towels.
17. Toss with cinnamon sugar.
18. Serve immediately.