10/04/2013

Apple Fritters

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Fritters.  Say it again.  Fritters.  I love that word.  You know that when someone says fritters, you are in for something good.  Fritters can be found in a wide variety of combinations. They can be savory, like beer-battered corn fritters, or they can be sweet, like these apple fritters. They can even be filled with meat or seafood like these shrimp beignets (ok these are called beignets, but they are basically fritters). But they all have in common that crispy, crunchy exterior and soft center. 

The original recipe called for cinnamon and nutmeg, but I opted to use my homemade apple pie spice.  It adds a welcome dimension.  Granny Smith apples are used for two reasons.  While they maintain their shape through the process, they become soft once fried.  One thing that can ruin the fried texture of fritters is excess moisture, so be sure to pat your diced apples dry before adding them to the batter.  You'll note that the recipe also calls for apple cider in the batter and in the glaze to deepen the apple flavor.  Please do not substitute it with apple juice.  That would compromise the flavor.

They are delicious on their own warm out of the fryer, but the glaze really seals the deal on these bad boys.  It sets up nicely, so that when you take your first bite, not only do you get the crispy and crunchy, you get a little sugar flakiness before sinking your teeth into the soft, apple studded center.   Drool on the laptop. Good heavens, I need to go make another batch STAT!
Printable Recipe

Apple Fritters
makes 14 fritters

For the Fritters
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons apple pie spice
3/4 cup apple cider
2 extra large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons (1-ounce) unsalted butter, melted
3 cups vegetable oil

For the Glaze
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup apple cider
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Fritters
Spread diced apples in a single layer on paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.  In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spice.  In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cider, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Add cider mixture to flour mixture, stirring until combined.  Fold in apples.

Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350º F.  Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, gently transfer portions of batter to oil.  Quickly turn the fritter over and press lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula to flatten.  Fry, adjusting burner to maintain oil temperature between 325º and 350º F, until deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.  Transfer fritters to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.  Bring oil temperature back to 350º and repeat with remaining batter.  Let fritters cool for at least 10 minutes.

For the Glaze
Meanwhile, whisk together the sugar, apple cider, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until smooth.  Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the glaze on top of each fritter.  Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  Enjoy!

Source: Adapted from Cook's Country, March 2011

9 comments:

  1. Very tempting! The thing is that I live in France and have no idea what Apple cider could be here... Do you know where i could find some or how i could substitute it with some french product?

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    Replies
    1. The cider product that I use is fresh apple juice that has been mulled. Unfortunately, I am not sure if there is a good substitute.

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  2. You are doing good things in the world = apple fritters. Yum! I love to make sweet treats for my family on Sunday mornings, so I crossed off my planned eclairs and will be making these. They look perfect!

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    Replies
    1. Yep, just as good as you said! Yum! I'm going to try your suggestion of using a spatula to flatten the next time... Cooks Country (I have the cookbook) says to use a spoon and that didn't work so well for me. Came back here to read your instructions again and of course you are right on... I think the spatula would work better. They were delicious though!

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    2. Yes, the spatula is key. And use a firm press as well.

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  3. Nicole, do these taste as good the next day or are they best eaten warm and fresh? I have an upcoming gathering and would like to make these.

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    Replies
    1. Like most "doughnuts" they are best the day that they are made. If you do plan to make them a day ahead, do not keep them in an airtight container (just lightly cover). They will become too soft otherwise. Having said that, just grab yourself a fork and dig in;) They are still good!

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    2. Thanks Nicole. I've made these twice already. Yum! The second time, I grated the apples. Loved how that made the fritters even more apple-y.

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