Donut Holes (Ukrainian Ponchiki)

Ingredients

• 1 cup farmers cheese*
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oil to 325°F.: Heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat (325°F).

2. 2

   Combine donut hole (ponchiki) dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients (1 cup farmer's cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, one egg, 1 tsp baking powder, and 2/3 cup all-purpose flour) to form a soft dough.

3. 3

   Shape into balls: Scoop the dough into about 1-inch balls using a small ice cream scoop and transfer them onto a floured surface.

4. 4

   Fry donut holes (ponchiki): Lightly roll balls in flour (on the surface) and fry in hot oil until nicely browned and cooked through (approx 3 minutes).

5. 5

   Serve donut holes (ponchiki) with powdered sugar: Place donuts on a paper towel to remove excess grease and dust with powdered sugar, or dip into chocolate sauce, raspberry sauce, or Nutella before serving, if desired.