Apple Fritters

Ingredients

• 3 medium Apples (Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tablespoon Brandy (Optional, can substitute with apple juice or rum)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon peel (Grated)
• 2 tablespoons Sugar (For soaking)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (For drying)
• 1 batch Batter (See batter recipe below)
• 3 cups Vegetable oil (For frying)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (For garnish)
• 1 cup All-purpose flour (For batter)
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder (For batter)
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (For batter)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (For batter)
• 1 large Egg (For batter)
• 0.75 cup Milk (For batter)
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract (For batter)

Instructions

1. 1Peel the apples, cut them into slices across the core, and use a small cookie cutter or knife to stamp out the core, creating rings.
2. 2In a shallow dish, combine the brandy (if using), grated lemon peel, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the apple rings and let them soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to several hours, turning occasionally.
3. 3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. 4Pour the vegetable oil into a deep saucepan or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
5. 5Remove the apple rings from the soaking liquid and pat them dry with paper towels. Dip each apple ring in powdered sugar, then dip it into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully drop the battered apple ring into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or wire frying-basket to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. 6While the fritters are still warm, sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar. Pile them up on a dish and serve immediately.