Stella's Apple Fritters

Ingredients:

4 medium Granny Smith apples

3/4 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup sparkling water (optional—makes them extra fluffy)

1 1/2 cups flour

32 ounces of canola oil

Extra sugar for sprinkling on cooked fritters

Instructions:

1) Peel, core and thinly slice the apples.  Make sure you slice the apple when it is whole so that you have apple rings.  Add the sugar and set aside. **Our Nonna used to also add in a couple of splashes of grappa to give some extra taste to the apple!  If you don't have grappa, you can use brandy.  This is optional.**

2) Add the oil to a deep frying pan or dutch oven. You want enough oil to fully cover the apple fitter once it is placed in the pan.  Heat to 350 degrees. 

3) In a large bowl, add the flour and salt.  

4) In a smaller bowl, mix together the milk and egg.  

5) Add the milk and egg mixture to the flour and whisk until smooth. 

6) Add the sparkling water to the dough mixture and stir until combined. 

7) Drop in some of the apple rings into the dough mixture and coat thoroughly.  

8) Using a spoon, drop the fritters into the heated oil.  Cook each side until a light-to-medium golden brown.  Total cooking time is approximately 3 to 4 minutes. 

9) Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate using a slotted spoon.  Make sure you have paper towels lining the plate to soak up some of the excess oil.  

10) Transfer the cooked fritters to a serving plate and sprinkle with sugar and serve while warm!

These are a family favorite handed down to us from our Nonna!  Enjoy!!