Sicilian Sfince with Mountain Ricotta

Method

1. In a pot, combine butter, milk, salt, and sugar. Heat over low heat until the mixture is completely melted.
2. Remove from heat and add all the flour at once, stirring vigorously to form a dough.
3. Let the dough cool slightly, then gradually add the eggs, mixing by hand or with a stand mixer until the dough is smooth and falls in a ribbon.
4. Heat oil for frying. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Sweeten the fresh mountain ricotta with 20% sugar (by weight) and mix until smooth.
6. Fill the fried sfince with the sweetened ricotta cream using a piping bag or a spoon.
7. Top each sfincia with crushed pistachio and a piece of candied orange.