Apple Fritters

If you haven't checked out The Pioneer Woman, do it now.  Seriously....what are you waiting for?  I'll wait.  Go on.  

I found this recipe for apple fritters on her site.  I figured I would try them out because my Dad loves apple fritters.  And I get to see my parents next week!!

Here is what you will need:

• 2 cups All-purpose Flour
• ½ cups Sugar
• 2-¼ teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1-¼ teaspoon Salt
• 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• 2 whole Large Eggs
• ¾ cups Whole Milk
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
• 2 whole Granny Smith Apples, Peeled And Diced

         GLAZE (optional)

• 1-½ cup Powdered Sugar
• ¼ teaspoons Salt
• ¼ teaspoons Vanilla
• ¼ cups Milk

Start by combining the dry ingredients.  Take the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt and combine in a bowl.  In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.  Then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla.  Make sure your butter is cooled slightly.  If it is too hot, it will start cooking the eggs.  Combine the dry and wet ingredients together.  Stir until just combined.  You don't want to stir too much.  Now add in your apples.  Again, don't stir too much.  

Drop the batter by the spoonful into hot canola oil.  Don't overcrowd the pan though. Turn them over once they start to turn a golden brown on one side.  Watch the fritters carefully because they will turn brown really quickly.  They should only be in there for a few minutes.

Pull them out of the oil and drain on a paper towel.  You can make the glaze that The Pioneer Woman suggests or you can simply dust them with powdered sugar.