Apple Fritter Bites
"Fall is in the air!"
You can taste it with every pumpkin spice latte. Smell it as pies bake and stews bubble away in the crockpot. Hear it when leaves crunch under the feet of children walking home from school. Feel it in the warmth of soft blankets and sweaters.
I look forward to the physical change that happens during this time of year; in our homes, in nature, within myself. It's renewing and enveloping, like a big hug. The autumn season (more than any other) somehow allows me to re-focus on what I enjoy most... baking for those I love. Being in the kitchen gives me comfort; it's where I really feel like myself. I can branch out and be creative, or just zone out with recipes I know by heart; getting lost in my own thoughts while my hands go through the motions. Most of the time it's somewhere in between; a blend of the unknown with tried-and-true traditions. And when a little one sidles up next to me at the counter... all the better!
I hope this recipe for Apple Fritter Bites inspire you to get back into the kitchen with your loved ones as well. Warm up around the center of your home while the temperature outside drops, and enjoy the hush of autumn before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here.
Fritter Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 medium apples, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- vegetable oil for frying
Maple Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 T maple syrup
- 2T milk, more if needed
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients, except the apples. In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of dry mixture to the chopped apples and toss together, coating all the pieces.
In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, apple cider and melted butter. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredient mixture. Once it’s just combined, add in the apple pieces. Gently fold together, do not over mix. You want the batter to be light.
In a large Dutch oven (or stockpot) heat approximately 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil to 365°F (use a thermometer). You can test the oil to see if it’s ready by dropping in a small amount of the batter and see if it fries up. You can also carefully add a drop of water to the oil and see if it sizzles. With a medium cookie scoop, drop a dollop of apple batter (no more than four at a time) into the hot oil and let it fry for about 60-90 seconds per side. Each one should be about the size of a golf ball. The best way to see if the cooking time needs to be adjusted... break one open for a taste test! It’s a perk of being the chef!
While the fritters cool slightly on a wire rack or paper towel, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze. Drizzle over the top and enjoy with a cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee.
