During this challenging time of strict social distancing and the monotonous isolation of being locked up indoors for weeks at a time, I think we all could use a little comfort, and what could be more comforting than warm home-made fried apple fritters? Most of the ingredients you probably already have on hand, other than perhaps the apples. Granny Smith works the best for baking, but different types will work; aim for a mix of tart and sweet apples. This recipe is simple to make, and kids can join in on the fun working with dough and forming the fritters.

 

Apple Fritters
makes 10 medium fritters

Ingredients for the dough
1 pkg. dry baker’s yeast, or substitute with a sourdough starter to extend your supply of yeast
3/4 cup milk, (warmed to 110’F)
1/3 cup sugar
1 t. cinnamon
2 T. unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
1 t. salt
1 1/2 T. baking powder
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Preparation 
Place the warmed milk in a bowl and add the yeast and sugar. Gently combine and allow the yeast mixture to slightly foam. Once the yeast has proofed, add the cinnamon, salt, melted butter, eggs, baking powder, and flour then combined. Place plastic wrap over the bowl and proof for two hours or until the dough has doubled in size. Once the dough has doubled, scrape the dough onto a clean work surface and roll into a square. Add the apple filling to half of the dough, and add the other half of dough on top of the apple filling. Gently press down on the dough. Using a metal or dough scraper, slice down the middle horizontally, and then slice into vertical cubes. You should have 10 squares. Using your hands, gently pick up a square, fold in half, and press down on the top of the dough. Your apples will be on the top now. Continue with the rest of the squares.

Fill a dutch oven or deep saucepan with vegetable oil (roughly 4 inches). Heat the oil to 350’F. Place paper towels on a baking sheet and add a cooling rack on top. This will allow your fritters to stay crisp yet drain off any excess oil. Gently add two apple fritters to the heated oil with a slotted spoon. Cook the fritters 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown. You will lose a few pieces of apples while frying – be sure to remove them to prevent the oil tasting burnt. Continue with the rest of the fritters. Transfer each fritter to the cooling rack. Once the fritters are done, drizzle each of them with a generous spoonful of glaze. Enjoy!

Ingredients for the filling
2 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium)
1 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 t. Cinnamon
1 t. Nutmeg
2 T. Unsalted butter
2 1/2 T. Sugar

Preparation 
Peel, core, and dice the apples in 1/2 inch cubes. Add the butter to a saucepan, once the butter foams add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook, frequently stirring on medium heat until apples become slightly tender, yet still has crunch (10-15 mins). Set aside. *Note* Allow the apples too cool to room temperature before applying them on top of the dough.

Ingredients for the glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup 2% milk
1 t. Vanilla extract

Preparation 
Add the powder sugar to a large bowl, and gradually add the milk until the texture is smooth. If you want a thicker glaze, leave out one tablespoon of the milk. Once the glaze is well-combined, add the vanilla extract. Set aside.

*Note* Apple fritters can be reheated in the microwave for 10 seconds or to crisp them up in a 350’F for 7-10 minutes.