Apple fritters

by Alison Walker

Preparation: 15 minutes plus standing    Cooking: 20 minutes    Makes: 20

INGREDIENTS

4 ½ oz plain flour
1 oz cornflour
5 oz sparkling cider
5 oz soda water
1 oz icing sugar, sifted
4 large Royal Gala apples, peeled and cored
juice of ½ lemon
Peanut or sunflower oil, for frying
1 tbsp caster sugar mixed with ½ tsp cinnamon

METHOD

1. Sift the flours together in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the cider and soda water, making sure the batter isn't lumpy. Stir in the icing sugar. Leave to stand for 20 minutes.

2. Slice the apples into rings about 5mm thick. Put in a bowl and toss in the lemon juice.

3. Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer or large pan to 375°F. Dip the apple slices into the batter, shaking off the excess, and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and tender. Don't crowd the pan or the temperature will lower and make the batter greasy and soggy. Bring the temperature back up to 375°F after finishing each batch.

4. Drain the apple fritters on crumpled kitchen paper and season with the cinnamon sugar. Serve at once.

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