Portuguese Apple Fritters

By peridot728

Ingredients

• 3 large Golden Delicious apples
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup anise liqueur, such as Anisette or ouzo
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil, for deep–frying
• Confectioners sugar, for dusting
• Deep-frying thermometer

Preparation

Step 1

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples into rounds about 1/8-inch (4 mm) thick. Toss the apples, ¼ cup of the sugar, the liqueur, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let stand for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining ½ cup sugar, milk, oil, and eggs together in a bowl. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon and stir until smooth. Set aside for 30 minutes.

Pour enough oil to come halfway up the sides of a large skillet and heat over high heat to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). In batches, dip the drained apple slices in the batter. Deep-fry about 3 minutes, until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.

Serve warm, dusted with confectioners sugar.