Apple Fritters Anyone?

I really don't have much of a sweet tooth but when it comes to Apple Fritters (made the right way) and Butter Tarts (made with the right pastry shell) I CANNOT resist. Here is an easy recipe that is bound to be a hit in your home. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Thanks to one of my favourite Canadian Chefs, Stefano Faita on CBC television

                          Photo compliements of In the Kitchen on CBC television

Coated in cinnamon and sugar, kids and adults will do anything to get their hands on this dessert.

INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup ground almonds or almond flour
1 tsp. sugar
Pinch salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
Pinch cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 large apples, such as golden delicious or McIntosh (about 1/2 pound)
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Flour, for dredging apples
Vegetable oil, for frying
Icing sugar, for finishing fritters
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon, for finishing fritters (optional)
1 cup sugar, for finishing fritters (optional)

PREPARATION

In a large bowl, combine flour, ground almonds, 1 tsp. sugar, salt, pinch cinnamon and baking powder. Set aside.
Combine egg, milk and vanilla. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry. Let the batter rest in fridge for 30 minutes.
Peel and core apples. Slice apples into 1/2-inch thick rings. Sprinkle apple slices with lemon juice to stop them from browning.
Meanwhile, in deep fryer or deep saucepan, heat about 2 to 3-inches oil, over medium heat to 375 degrees F.
Dredge apple rings in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into batter to evenly coat. Carefully add fritters to hot oil, in batches, turning once. Fry fritters until apple is tender and batter is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to remove excess oil.
Dip fritters in icing sugar. Alternatively, make cinnamon sugar by combining 1 cup sugar with 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon and dip fritters in the cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.

Yield: 4 servings.