Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir in eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla. Mix gently over low heat until combined. Batter will be sticky. Drop by tablespoons into the hot oil a few at a time. Zeppole will turn over by themselves.
Zeppole are delicious fried cookies made with ricotta cheese. These are also known as Italian doughnuts. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir in eggs, ricotta cheese, and vanilla. Mix gently over low heat until combined. Batter will be sticky.
For the filling: Whisk together the ricotta, mascarpone, Amaretto and confectioners’ sugar in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the candied peel and chocolate. Refrigerate the filling while you make the zeppole.
Zeppole are especially prepared for St. Joseph’s Day (March 19th), during Lent, for the Christmas Vigilia (Eve), and on holidays. When sweet, they are usually dusted with powdered sugar and served hot. You can find them in every Little Italy around the United States around the holidays.