Maple Glazed Apple Fritters

Directions

• Make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm apple cider with the yeast and sugar.
• Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and smells like bread.
• Add the melted butter, mix a little to combine and then add the 3 cups flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Mix the dough with a wooden spoon until dough comes together, and then use hands to mix in circular motion until smooth, about 3-4 minutes. The dough should come together, but be slightly sticky to touch.
• Grease a large bowl and transfer the dough ball inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place (I like to use my oven with the light turned on), for about 40 minutes or until dough has doubled in size.
• Make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Add almond milk as needed to thin to desired consistency. Set aside.
• Make the filling. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally for about 7-8 minutes.
• Continue to cook until the apples are caramelized, about 5 more minutes. Add vanilla and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Transfer dough to large floured surface and roll into large rectangle, about the size of a cookie sheet lengthwise.
• Add apple filling to bottom half of rectangle, and carefully fold top layer over the bottom. Use a paring knife or serrated knife to cut dough into 20-25 small squares.
• Using your hands, fold over bottom corners over top of each fritter so that it looks like a satchel and apples won’t fall out the sides when frying (it’s okay if a few do!).
• Place uncooked fritters on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place for 15 minutes. Before frying, stretch out fritters gently and slightly to ensure middle will cook properly.
• Fry the fritters. In a large deep sauce pan, heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees. It’s important to fry the fritters around this temperature to avoid burning or soggy fritters.
• Once oil is heated, using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer fritters into the oil and let fry on each side for 40-60 seconds, or until browned and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
• Transfer to cooling rack. Drizzle glaze over fritters and serve warm.
• Store in airtight container for up to 2 days, but best served fresh.