- Ricotta Puffs - 

Maria made these for Christmas Day -- they're doughnut-like fried puffs with more protein
Recipe from Sunset Favorite Recipes II

1/2 pint (1 C) ricotta cheese 
3 eggs
1/4 C granulated sugar
1 C all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
cooking oil
powdered sugar

In large mixing bowl, beat ricotta with eggs and sugar until well-blended and smooth. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture and beat until the batter is smooth.

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 1 1/2", and heat to 360 degrees F on a deep fat frying thermometer. For each puff, drop a rounded teaspoon into the hot oil, cooking several at a time.  Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes.  Remove and drain well, frying several more at a time until all batter is used.

If the puffs are to be served immediate, dust with sifted or strained powdered sugar while still hot and serve.

 If storing until later, do not dust with powdered sugar -- instead, let cool, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven for about 10 minutes, then dust with the powdered sugar and serve hot.