Apple Fritters
12 ounces amber ale1
1/2 cups white all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup peanut oil1/4 cup grapeseed oil
2 cups canola oil
8 large apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/3-inch thick rings (Granny Smith, Macoun and Rome Beauty will hold their shape)
Platter lined with 2 layers of paper towel or clean brown paperPowdered sugar and ground cinnamon
1. In a large bowl, whisk together ale, flours, sugar, vanilla and melted butter. Set aside. Prepare apples by peeling, coring and slicing into thick rings.
2. Blend the oils. Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a deep Dutch oven, or deep, large cast-iron frying pan. Place pan over medium-high heat and bring to 360°F.
3. Blot apple rings on paper towel, then dip in batter to coat evenly. Dip and fry apple rings in small batches. Turn once to cook evenly. Skim oil and add more as needed, being sure to bring to 350°F after each addition.
4. Remove fritters from oil and drain 2-3 minutes on platter lined with paper. Dust with ground cinnamon and powdered sugar and serve warm.
Safety tip: Keep a large baking sheet and a fire extinguisher nearby. Use the baking sheet to smother a small fire and the fire extinguisher if needed. For safety’s sake, don’t drink and fry at the same time - savor your beer after the frying is finished.