Papanasi Recipe - Traditional Aromanian Cheese Donuts

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh cow's cheese (ricotta or farmer's cheese), well-drained
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup fine semolina
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup sour cream, full-fat
• 1 cup wild berry preserves (blueberry, sour cherry, or raspberry)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for extra richness in the dough)