Apple Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, preferably aluminum free
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups peeled cored and tiny diced apples, cut into 1/4-inch dice, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup apple cider, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Warm the oil in a large pot until it reaches 350 – 360 degrees. While it heats, whisk 3/4 cup of the sugar with 2 tsp of the cinnamon in a small mixing bowl, then put that bowl aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt together. Add the apples, then use a spatula to toss them through the dry mixture until they are evenly coated.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, eggs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, butter, and vanilla. Pour this into the bowl with the flour mixture, then fold with a spatula just until the batter comes together.
4. Scoop the dough in spoonfuls, about 1 1/2 Tbsp at a time. With a second spoon, gently nudge each portion into the hot oil, frying about 7 at once.
5. Cook until the underside is golden brown, about 60 – 90 seconds, then turn each fritter and fry the second side until golden brown, about 60 – 90 seconds more. Watch the oil as you go so it stays in the 350 – 360 degrees range.
6. Move the fritters to a paper towel-lined baking sheet for a very quick drain, about 10 seconds. Then add them to the cinnamon sugar bowl and toss to coat. Continue the same way with the rest of the batter. For best results, serve warm.