Chocolate Fritters

1 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 lemon, zested
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
2 tablespoons sweet white wine
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped medium-fine
1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 egg, lightly beaten
Honey, for brushing the fritters

Place the flour on a clean work surface and add the salt, sugar, lemon zest, oil, and enough wine to make a firm but tender dough. Knead for 5 minutes, then wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest 30 minutes.

In the meantime, in a medium bowl, combine the chocolate, nuts, and jam. Cover and set aside until ready to use.

Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and, using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible. Place a dab of filling on each circle of dough, moisten the edges with a bit of beaten egg, and fold each round in half, pressing them shut with finger pressure or a fork.

In a tall-sided pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees F and fry the fritters, in batches, until deep golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Brush each fritter with honey, place on a serving platter and serve hot or cold.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings, about 30 to 32 fritters
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: intermediate