CINNAMON SUGAR APPLE FRITTERS
Picking apples and frolicking in pumpkin patches is an annual tradition in our New Jersey town, which is a hub for visitors from the surrounding three states. Aside from the traffic, it’s a lovely spot to visit, thanks mainly to a glut of locally-made apple cider donuts.
I’m more of an apple gal than a pumpkin spice junkie when it comes to fall and sweets. And these donuts are so excellent that I consider the entire fall season a failure if I don’t indulge in at least one of them. These donuts are essential to me.
Apple fritters are a lot easier to make than donuts, but there are two sides to every coin. These cinnamon sugar apple fritters are fried, but they are smaller in size, less fussy, and lighter than the original. For parties, they’re a terrific choice.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 apples peeled, cored and finely chopped
- 4 to 5 cups oil for frying
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large basin, whisk together the dry ingredients (the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and salt). Combine the milk, apple cider, eggs, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a separate bowl. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients. Add the chopped apple to the batter.
2. Bring the oil to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have access to one, check the temperature with it. In this case, you may prepare a cake and adjust the temperature accordingly. First Pancake Principle (i.e., the first pancake is always slightly messed up, and after that, everything is smooth sailing) cannot be ignored in the culinary world
3. Fry a small amount of batter in the heated oil until it turns golden brown on the bottom. Don’t be alarmed if they end up taking on strange forms! Wipe with paper towels.
4. Once rolled in cinnamon sugar, serve the cakes right away! They truly shine when they’re just out of the fridge.