sticking with the apple theme:)

this is one of my favorite fall dessert recipes! it is light, satisfying, but not too sweet! a zeppole is like an Italian doughnut. fried & crispy on the outside, light & fluffy inside. i prefer mine with some whipped cream, maybe even cinnamon whipped cream! give them a try this weekend!

{sweet apple zeppole's}

1 large apple, peeled & grated- about 1 1/2 cups

1/4 cups sugar

1 stick butter

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

4 eggs

Vegetable oil for frying

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

1 cup whipping cream

2 TBSP powder sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

In a medium sauce pan combine the butter, salt, sugar & water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat & stir in flour. Return pan to medium heat & stir constantly until mixture forms a ball. About 3-5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, add eggs one at a time. Incorporating each egg completely. Beat until smooth. Add grated apple & stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate while mixing whipped cream.

Combine all cream, sugar & cinnamon. Beat until thick & fluffy. Add vanilla & stir until combined.

Meanwhile pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat oil over medium heat until oil is ready... *check tip.

Carefully drop a rounded TBSP of dough, 4-5 at a time, into hot oil. Cook until golden & puffed up, turning once or twice. About 2 minutes each side. With a slotted spoon, remove from oil, drain on paper towels, toss with cinnamon sugar. Transfer to serving dish. Serve cinnamon whipped cream on side for dipping.

* press bottom tip of a wooden spoon onto the bottom of the pan. if bubbles come from the bottom of the pan around the spoon handle, the oil is ready:)