Thursday, October 22, 2015

beach swings + apple fritters

We are so excited to have cooler weather not only because it means wearing sweaters and boots, but we plan our weekly lunch date with Mike down by the water. 
We went today and although it was in the high 70's the ocean breeze made it cool enough. The best thing about dining near the beach is sitting in one of the many porch swings. They line the street and sidewalk down in Southport and boardwalk at Carolina Beach. It's so cozy. 
Before packing up our lunch, Kensi, Finn and I made Spiced Apple Fritters. Yes I said Finn. He was having meltdown after meltdown not being held, so I ended up doing most of the fritters one handed. I really was cutting time close trying to get these done before we had to leave and I probably should have held off, but they sounded so good and I knew they would be so much fun to eat down by the swings. 
Growing up, my mom would make apple fritters for breakfast, but instead of chopping the apples she would cut them into rings. We ate them with powdered sugar and maple syrup. This recipes I used today was adapted from one I found on All Recipes. I adjusted the sugar to make it sweeter and added some fun spices to really bring out the apple flavor.
Once we met Mike and picked the perfect swing for lunch, Kensi could not wait any longer. She was so excited to show Mike what we made. We each dove our hands into the paper bag to grab a warm cinnamon-sugar coated apple fritter dusted with powdered sugar and sipped on cider. They were the perfect way to start and finish our lunch, although I was covered in powdered sugar by the end of our date. Luckily it was well worth it. 
Unfortanelty, we were in such a rush getting out of the house and too excited to eat them that I forgot to snap a photo of these yummy treats, but chances are we'll make them again this weekend and I'll share a photo. Until then, I hope you try these festive bites! 

Spiced Apple Fritters
1-1/2 cups Unbleached Flour
2 Tablespoons White Sugar
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice (we like Penzy’s)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 Eggs
2/3 cup Milk
1 Tablespoon Canola or Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 Apples, peeled & chopped  (we like Pink Lady)

Vegetable or Canola Oil
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture (1 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup cinnamon)
Powered Sugar (for dusting)

Mix up your Cinnamon Sugar mixture and place in a small paper bag. This makes it easier to toss the fritters in after they’ve been fried.
Fill a heavy pot or cast iron skillet with 1-1/2 inches of oil and heat to about 375 degrees F. I like to place one apple piece or a drip of my batter into the oil and once it starts to fry i know my oil is hot and ready.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, white sugar, baking powder, Apple Pie Spice and salt. Set aside. 
In another bowl whisk together eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract. 
Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Fold in chopped apples.
When the oil is ready, drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry. Don’t forget to turn the fritters to cook to an even golden brown. Once done, remove the fritters and let them drain on paper towels and cool briefly. Then toss in cinnamon sugar bag and shake. Place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels underneath. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar.

Enjoy & Happy Friday Eve!

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