Recipe: Amish Apple Fritters (using brown sugar and cinnamon)

AMISH APPLE FRITTERS

8 medium-firm cooking apples
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, separated
Grated rind of 1 lemon
1/2 cup milk
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Confectioner's sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Core the apples, peel them, then slice them crosswise into 1/4 inch slices.

Combine the brown sugar and lemon juice in a 10-inch shallow dish, and add the apple slides, spooning the sauce over both sides of the fruit. Allow to stand 1 hour, turning the slices occasionally.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Preheat 2-3 inches of oil in an electric skillet to 375 degrees F.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a shallow bowl.

In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks thoroughly and add the rind and milk; combine with the dry ingredients.

In a mixer bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the flour mixture. The batter will be puffy and there should be some patches of white showing.

Dip the apple slices into the batter - it will not cooperatively adhere to the apple because of the marinade, but firmly push the slices into the batter until both sides are coated. With tongs, drop the apple into the hot oil and cook until the fritter is gold brown on one side-this takes about 2 minutes-then turn and fry the other side, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels, and keep warm in the oven until all the fritters are prepared.

Sprinkle very scantily with confectioner's sugar and serve hot.

Makes 8-10 servings
Source: Cooking From Quilt Country by Marcia Adam