Best Festive Fritters Recipes

VENETIAN CARNIVAL FRITTERS (FRAPPE)

Steps:

• Using an electric mixer, beat the butter or shortening and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in the egg and the brandy. Beat in the salt. Add the flour and beat until blended. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead until a soft dough forms. Form the dough into a ball. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape the dough pieces into balls. Wrap the dough balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Working with 1 dough ball at a time, roll the dough ball into a 12-inch diameter round (the dough should be very thin and almost transparent). Using a fluted pastry cutter, trim the edges to form a square shape. Cut the dough into 1-inch strips. Cut each strip in half crosswise to form 5-inch-long strips. Gently stretch the strip gently so that you have enough dough to tie a bow. Repeat with remaining dough strips. Gather the dough scraps, then reroll and cut them to make additional bowtie pastries.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Heat the oil in a large heavy frying pan over medium heat to 375 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the pastries until they puff and become golden, turning once, about 2 minutes total. Using tongs, transfer the pastries to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain the excess oil. While still hot, dust the pastries generously with confectioners' sugar and serve.
• The pastries can be made 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

MOM'S APPLE FRITTERS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or electric skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pour in the milk, eggs and oil and stir until well blended. Mix in apples until they are evenly distributed.
• Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes depending on the size. Fry in smaller batches so they are not crowded. Remove from the hot oil using a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels. Toss with cinnamon sugar while still warm.

APPLE FRITTERS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, the cinnamon, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add the sparkling water, buttermilk and vanilla, and stir until the mixture forms a batter. Let rest for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the lemon zest.
• In a heavy 4 to 5-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil and vegetable oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer, a cube of bread should brown in about 3 minutes.)
• Meanwhile, peel and core the apples, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Using paper towels, blot the apple slices dry.
• Add the apple slices to the batter and toss until coated. Working in batches, fry the apples, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with the lemon sugar while still warm. Serve immediately.

FESTIVE FRITTERS

Steps:

• Cut store-bought pie dough into holiday shapes and fry in 350 degree vegetable oil until golden. Cool on paper towels and dust with confectioners' sugar.