HONEY-DRIZZLED CHOCOLATE CHEESE FRITTERS

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
Vegetable oil, for frying
3/4 cup honey, warm

Mix ricotta and eggs with fork. Add flour and mix just until incorporated. Add butter, orange zest, salt, and chocolate; stir just until thoroughly combined. Batter may be prepared to this point, covered, and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.

TO FRY THE FRITTERS:
(Either fry fritters up to 2 hours in advance of serving and serve them at room temperature (they are delicious), or fry and serve them hot or warm. Do not keep fritters in a warm oven for long or they will dry and toughen.)

Just before serving time, or up to 2 hours before, place a small ovenproof platter lined with several layers of paper towel or a cloth napkin in a preheated 200-degree F oven.

In wide skillet, heat 1/2 inch oil over medium heat until a few drops of batter sizzle vigorously when added to the pan. Carefully add rounded tablespoonfuls of batter to hot oil. Do not crowd fritters; they need space to fry properly and to turn. Fry until brown on 1 side, then turn and fry other side until brown. Transfer fritters to a warm platter with a fork or tongs.

Serve drizzled with warm honey, or pass honey separately.

Servings: 6
Adapted from source: Chocolate Holidays by Alice Medrich