Name: Ricotta Fritters
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Makes 8 (first course) or 12 (hors d'oeuvre) servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh ricotta, drained of any excess liquid; 1/2 ounce finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/4 cup); 1 (3-ounce) piece Genoa salami, peeled if necessary, finely chopped (3/4 cup); 2 large egg yolks; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs; About 2 cups vegetable oil; a deep-fat thermometer

Using a freshly made ricotta makes all the difference in these delicious fried morsels.

Cooks' note:

• To take the temperature of a shallow amount of oil, put bulb in skillet and turn thermometer facedown, resting other end against rim of skillet. Check temperature frequently.

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