Mario's Chocolate Fritters [Cuscinetti di Teramo]

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
pinch of salt
2 1/2 T sugar
1 lemon, zested
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 cups extra virgin olive oil, for frying
2 T 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

Preparing the chocolate 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, make the filling by combining the chocolate, nuts, and jam and mix with a spoon. Set aside, covered.

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 until they are deep golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Brush each fritter with honey and serve hot or cold.

Serves 6 to 8