Apple Cinnamon Fritters

I had ONE very large, very gorgeous apple sitting on my counter this morning... That got me thinking. What can I make with ONE awesome apple? Fritters! Apple fritters are really easy to make - you start with a simple batter (very similar to pancake batter) and fold in diced apple. A quick fry in hot oil and you're ready to dust with powdered sugar. 

Afraid to deep fry? Don't be, it's actually super easy. And, I don't believe you need tons of oil to deep-fry fritters, just about 2 inches in your favorite heavy pot or Dutch oven. 

Apple-Cinnamon Fritters

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vegetable oil for frying

Powdered sugar

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well with a whisk. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Add the mixture to the flour mixture and mix until blended, without overmixing. Fold in the apple (you should now have a chunky batter). 

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Heat until the oil reaches about 350 degrees. 

Use a 1/4 cup measure to drop the batter into the hot oil (work in batches so you don't crowd the pot). Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes. 

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to paper towels to drain. 

Sift over powdered sugar and serve warm. 

Serves 4-6