LEMON-SCENTED RICOTTA AND MASCARPONE CREAM PUFFS

Lemon-Scented Ricotta and Mascarpone Cream Puffs image

Provided by Sal Passalacqua

Yield Makes 3 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 11

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3/4 cup whole milk
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, diced
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup all purpose flour
4 large eggs
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

Steps:

Bring milk, butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt to boil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Add flour; stir until batter is smooth and forms ball, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, 1 at a time.
Add enough oil to heavy large saucepan to reach depth of 2 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of pan and heat oil to 350°F. Working in batches, drop 1 tablespoon batter into oil for each cream puff. Fry until golden brown and puffed, about 5 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer cream puffs to paper towels to drain. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
Blend ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and lemon peel in medium bowl for filling. Cut cream puffs in half horizontally. Spoon 1 rounded teaspoon filling into bottoms; cover with tops. Arrange on platter. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar.