APPLE FRITTERS

"The next time you're in Gatlinburg, Tenneessee, you've got to have breakfast at the Applewood Farmhouse and Grill. As soon as you sit down, they serve these mouthwatering Apple Fritters. They are even better when slathered with the Applewood Apple Butter."

1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 egg
2 tablespoon butter, melted and cooled
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup chopped apples, skin-on
1/2 cup sugar
apple butter, optional

Preheat at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches of hot oil in a deep-fryer or pan to 325 degrees F.

Blend first four ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, salt and flour with a wire whisk. Fold flour, zest and apples into wet mixture.

Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Lightly toss with sugar.

Serve warm with apple butter, if desired.

OLD-FASHIONED APPLE BUTTER

If cooked totally on high, it takes all day to make this flavorful apple butter.

12 to 14 sweet-tart apples (like a Winesap)
2 cups apple cider or juice
sugar
ground cinnamon
ground allspice
ground cloves
freshly ground nutmeg

Lightly oil crockpot. Don’t peel, but wash, core and quarter apples. Put in crockpot. Stir in cider. Cover and cook on low for 10–18 hours (or high for 2–4 hours).
Put soft fruit in food mill to remove skins.