Apple Fritters with Spiced Sugar

By janicecraig

Cinnamon, cardamom, and freshly ground black pepper lend warm spice to these sweet fritters. Any firm apple works well here. Try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for sweet floral notes, or Granny Smith, if you prefer a little tartness. A mix of apples is also fun.

Ingredients

• Canola oil (for frying; about 5-7 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups cold beer (preferably lager or pilsner)
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 Honeycrisp or other firm sweet-tart apples, peeled, cored, sliced into scant 1/4"-thick rings (8-10 rings per apple)
• A candy thermometer

Details

Servings 20
Preparation time 45mins
Cooking time 45mins
Adapted from epicurious.com

Preparation

Step 1

Fit a wide heavy pot with candy thermometer. Pour in oil to a depth of 2" and heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 375ºF.

Meanwhile, whisk flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 3/4 tsp. cinnamon, and 1 1/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Add beer in a slow, steady stream, whisking until smooth.

Whisk pepper, cardamom, 1/8 tsp. salt, and remaining 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon in a medium bowl.

Working with 4-5 slices at a time, dip apples in batter, shaking off excess. Fry until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Transfer fritters with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Immediately toss in spiced-sugar mixture and serve warm.