Fried Sfince with Mountain Ricotta

Method

1. In a pot, combine butter, milk, salt, and sugar. Heat over low heat until the mixture is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously to form a dough.
3. Let the dough cool down slightly.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and elastic. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer.
5. Heat oil for deep frying. When hot, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the oil and fry until puffed and golden brown.
6. Drain the fried sfince on paper towels.
7. For the filling, sweeten the fresh ricotta with 20% sugar (by weight). Mix until smooth.
8. Cut or split each sfincia, fill with the sweetened ricotta.
9. Decorate with pistachio granules and candied Sicilian orange zest.