Apple Fritter

INGREDIENTS

Apple FRITTERS

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons applesauce
• 2 large Honey Crisp apples peeled, cored, and diced
• canola oil for frying

GLAZE

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center and add 1/3 cup milk, eggs, and applesauce. Stir just to combine. Fold in apples.
2. Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet, dutch oven, or deep fryer to 375 degrees.  Drop about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter into hot oil; spreading it out as you drop. Cook each side until golden brown; approximately 2 minutes per side.  Remove to paper towels to drain.
3. Whisk together 1/4 cup milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Dunk each fritter in the glaze turning over to make sure both sides are coated.  Place on wire racks to air dry and drip.

NOTES

• Don’t over-mix the batter as it may make the fritters tough.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying so the donuts cook better and the oil temperature is easier to maintain.
• Use a candy thermometer to track the temperature of the oil.
• A dutch oven or heavy pot helps the oil hold its temperature.
• Try to maintain a constant temperature of 375 degrees. When you add the batter the temperature will drop so you must increase the heat a tad.  Likewise when you remove the fritters from the oil the temperature will increase so you need to turn the heat down a tad.
• Remove the fried fritters to paper towels to drain.
• Store the cooled cooked fritters wrapped loosely in paper towels in a brown paper bag.