Apple Fritters

If you have ever been to New York in the fall season, you would know that we are apple crazy! Everywhere you look, there will be an apple orchard for the wave of families and friends ready to enjoy apple picking, hayrides outlined by warm toned trees, and the smell of fresh cider and donuts. There are so many ways to enjoy the apples that are picked during the season, but a favorite of mine this year has been these apple fritters. They are heaven on a plate, hot and fresh with a dusting of powdered sugar!

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cup flour

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 2/3 cups milk

- 2 tsp. baking powder

- 1/4 tsp. salt

- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

- 1 egg

- 2 tbsp. of melted butter

- 1 tsp. vanilla extract

- 1 large apple, peeled and diced

- vegetable oil

Topping:

- confectioners sugar

Directions:

Because you are frying the fritters, you need a large, heavy duty pot for the oil. I recommend using a dutch oven or even a cast iron pot. Add in the vegetable oil until it is about half way and begin to heat to medium high heat. Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and set aside. In another bowl, add together the milk, butter, egg, and vanilla and add it to the dry ingredients. Peel your apple, dice into small pieces, and add to the batter. Using a small ice cream scoop, drop the batter into the hot oil (about 360 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, this will just decrease the oil temperature and will slow down the cooking process. Cook the fritters until they become a deep, golden brown. This took about 4-5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel before serving and sprinkle on powdered sugar. Enjoy!