3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon grated mandarin peel
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
¼ cup minced pitted dates
¼ cup minced Mexican chocolate
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

Confectioners sugar for dusting mixed with a little bit of grated Mexican chocolate to taste

Whisk together flour, baking powder, zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Whisk together ricotta, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla in another bowl, then whisk in flour mixture. Mixture will be coarse.

Preheat enough oil in a heavy medium saucepan to come half way up the sides to 360 F.

Working in batches, gently drop tablespoons of the batter in the oil and fry, turning occasionally, until deep golden, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

Dust generously with confectioners sugar-grated chocolate mixture.