Zeppole Italian Donuts

STEP 1
Crack eggs into a medium mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk the eggs until air bubbles start to form.
STEP 2
Add pancake mix, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat together with the eggs until the mixture is crumbly.
STEP 3
Next, scoop in the ricotta cheese and fold the mixture until it is smooth.
STEP 4
Heat vegetable oil in a deep dish pot or a dutch oven over medium heat. When it is hot, you are ready to start frying!
STEP 5
Use an ice cream scooper make dough balls and gently drop the balls of dough into the hot oil. *see note below.
STEP 6
Cook the Zeppoles for about 3 minutes each, regularly turning them in the oil. You are looking for them to turn golden brown.
STEP 7
Remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
STEP 8
Dust with powdered sugar and serve