These are the big apple fritters; it is everybody’s favorite thing that came from the heart of New York city, and there is no other place on earth where they can be found. They are a perfect inter-marriage of culinary imagination with cultural roots which reflect how busy this city is. Big Apple Fritters are crispy all around but have soft and warm apple-filled centers that provide a taste that simply screams New York.
Among New York City’s food establishments, Big Apple Fritters is an emblematic example to showcase its long lasting culinary heritage. The doughnuts were first cooked in the early 1800s by Dutch colonizers who had brought their rich recipes into Manhattan street corners making it a cherished delicacy till today among residents and visitors as well. Whether one takes them for breakfast along with coffee or at dinner as a dessert, these pastries will remain evergreen in new yorkers’ minds.
Other than the flavor that people can’t resist, there is also a nostalgia associated with Big Apple Fritters. Every time someone bites into one of them, he or she gets transported to the busy streets of New York where vendors sell their freshly made cinnamon and apple filled fried doughnuts. It is a journey that brings alive the bygone days while still reflecting on the vibrant past and enduring food heritage of a place.
In an era characterized by passing trends in gourmet food, these are timeless delicacies that define what it means to indulge in well-balanced nutritious eating. Still capturing generations with its delicious simplicity and comforting familiarity, they remain alluring whether eaten as soon as they are out of the deep fryer or even when cold. Thus, whether you are a New Yorker who knows this city like the back of your hand or simply visiting for a short period of time; try one bite out of a Big Apple Fritter and you will be hooked – it’s an invitation to experience New York culinary magic first hand!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 beaten eggs
A cupful milk
Vanilla extract (a mere spoonful)
Finely chopped apples (two medium sized ones)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional).
Instructions:
Prepare the Batter:
In a big mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt using a whisk.
Beat eggs in another bowl before stirring in milk and vanilla extract.
Mix together wet ingredients with the dry ones just enough to combine. Overbeating will make your fritters hard.
Carefully stir chopped apples into batter until they are evenly distributed throughout it.
Fry the Fritters:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to reach 350°F (180°C).
Using spoonfuls of batter from either scoops or spoons drop them into the hot oil one at a time. Flatten them out with the backside of the spoon.
Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and done all through. You may need to maintain oil temperature by altering heat.
Remove fritters from oil when cooked using slotted spoon and drain extra oils on paper towel placed plate.
Serve:
The fritters should be allowed to cool for a short while before serving. In case you like, you can sprinkle the powdered sugar on top of them to make them sweeter.
Either as a warming breakfast or a relieving dessert Big Apple Fritters are enjoyed.
This recipe makes about 12-15 Big Apple Fritters depending on their size, but feel free to put your favorite spices and toppings that may include caramel sauce or whipped cream if needed.