JBug's Kitchen Antics: A fritter a day...

OK, so I'm stretching it a bit with this one but we all know an apple a day is supposed to keep the Doctor away so I'm saying the same must be true for an apple fritter a day. The only problem is ...ya' can't stop with just one!

Now I'm the first to admit we've had a run on apples this week, what with the Apple Cake and then yesterday's Apple Cranberry Raspberry Pie, but tiz the season and I've got a real yen going for Eve's favorite fruit. I've been racking my feeble brain trying to come up with something unique to have with our morning coffee on Christmas day and gosh darn it, I think I've finally found it.

I whipped up these little test beauties in a grand total of twelve and a half minutes, and that includes cooking them in two batches at 3 minutes a piece. I know speed isn't necessarily of the essence but take it from me, this house is darn cold in the mornings. So you say? Well you see, unless I do some finagling Christmas will be my turn to feed the dog and cat at 5 a.m. and then bring the coffee pot to the big guy in bed so if I'm going to make something to go along with the brew, it'll have to be quick as well as special and these fritters qualify as both. Chock a block full of apples, flavored with vanilla and dusted with icing sugar, they're a perfect little light bit of crispy goodness to dip in maple syrup or drizzle in honey or sprinkle with cinnamon, or all of it (or none).

Of course you don't have to limit their consumption to early morning ...have some with spiced cider as a wee nosh after carolling, or pass them along with a selection of cheeses after dinner. It'll all be good I promise and guaranteed to keep the doctor away for another day. Download Apple Fritters

Apple Fritters (adapted from Taste of Home)

1 cup all purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 extra large egg

1/3 cup milk

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped

Oil for frying

Confectioners’ sugar

Heat a quarter inch of oil to 375. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. In a smaller bowl beat together egg, milk, oil and vanilla. Using a fork stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Be careful not to over mix. Fold in apple chunks. Drop batter by rounded tablespoons into oil and fry until golden on both sides – about 3 minutes total. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm. Makes 12 small fritters – enough for 2 or 3 people.