Apple Fritters

• Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into small dice
• Powdered sugar, for dusting, optional
• Serving suggestions: breakfast sausage and bacon

1. Heat a couple of inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium to medium-low heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 340 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a fork, then add the milk, melted butter and vanilla.
4. Gently fold the dry and wet ingredients together until just combined (do not over-mix).
5. Fold in the apples, adding enough to make a very chunky batter.
6. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, 6 to 8 at a time.
7. Fry until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
8. Remove and drain on paper towels.
9. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with sausage and bacon!

vegetable oil, flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla, apples, powdered sugar, sausage

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/apple-fritters.html (may not work)