Apple Fritters

INGREDIENTS
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour; spoon into dry measuring cup and level to rim
2 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon sugar
dash of cinnamon up to 1/2 teaspoon
dash of nutmeg, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole or 2% milk
2 pounds apples
Oil for deep-frying
Powdered sugar

NOTES:
A Note About the Apples: I’ve used Granny Smith apples, a tart kind of apple that holds its shape well, as would Red or Golden Delicious or Pippin. Actually, you could use more acidic apples that break down a little faster, like the Macintosh, Rome Beauty, Macoun, and Jonathan. Sprinkle them with a little more sugar before serving to counter the acidity, and reduce the cooking time slightly.

How to Fry:
The Oil: Cottonseed, sunflower, and grapeseed oil are particularly good oils for frying because they withstand high temperatures without breaking down. (An oil that’s broken down becomes foamy and develops an acrid and bitter smell.) Use enough oil, between 2 and 3 inches, so that the fritters float freely.

The Batter: When you make any batter (this includes batters for crepes and pancakes and the like), don’t add all the liquid to the flour at once. You want to start with a thick batter because it’s easier to whisk out lumps when they’re embedded in a thickish mass rather than floating on top of a thin liquid. The remaining liquid can be added once the batter is smooth like silk.

Temperature: You find, as you get accustomed to frying in batter, that some batters brown faster than others and have to cook at a lower temperature. The egg batter should be cooked at a slightly lower temperature because the beaten egg white and milk brown very fast.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix the flour, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (optional), salt, and 1/2-cup milk together. Beat with a whisk until smooth and thick. Mix in the rest of the milk.

2. Beat the 2 egg whites by hand or by machine in a clean, unlined copper bowl or a stainless-steel bowl.

3. When the whites are firm but not dry (they shouldn’t be grainy, weepy, or full of little holes, which would indicate over beating), fold them into the batter with a rubber spatula. Fold from the center of the bowl and come up the sides, trying to lift the mixture with each stroke. Notice that the batter is thick, shiny, and smooth. It can be kept 1 or 2 days in the refrigerator or used right away.

4. Peel the apples with a small knife or a vegetable peeler. Core and slice them into 1/4-to-3/8-inch-thick rings (or stack the slices and sliver them into sticks. If you do not have a corer, peel and slice the apples, then cut out the center seeds with a knife.

5. Place four or five rings in the batter. Heat 2 or 3 inches of oil in a skillet or flat-bottomed wok to about 330 degrees F. Lift each ring from the batter and slide it gently into the hot oil, taking care not to splatter the oil. Cook 2 1/2 to 3 minutes on each side, until lightly golden brown. Flip the rings with a slotted spoon.

When done, remove and place them on a cookie sheet lined with paper toweling. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

VARIATION
Banana Fritters

Banana and Apple Fritters and photo by Orange Piggy © Sarah Phillips

INGREDIENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS
For bananas, use ripe ones. Hold them directly over the bowl containing the batter, cut them crosswise into 1/4-inch slices (let slices fall into batter).