CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT FRITTERS

Chocolate Hazelnut Fritters image

Provided by Andrew Friedman

Yield Makes about 18 fritters, serving 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup club soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus 6 to 8 cups for frying
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped*
1/2 cup whole hazelnuts, toasted lightly and skinned (about 4 ounces)
Accompaniments: Chile or cayenne powder, confectioners' sugar, ground cinnamon, and/or unsweetened cocoa powder
*If you keep kosher and are serving these fritters with a meat meal, be sure to use kosher dark chocolate, which contains no milk solids

Steps:

In large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In medium bowl, whisk together club soda, vegetable oil, and egg. Whisk wet ingredients into dry, then fold in chocolate and nuts.
In heavy 4-quart pot, heat 3 inches of oil until thermometer registers 350°F. Working in batches of 4 and returning oil to 350°F between batches, drop batter by rounded tablespoons into hot oil and fry fritters until crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Serve immediately, offering chile powder, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, and/or cocoa for dusting.