Preparation time > 1hr // Serves 6

Ingredients

• 4-5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored but left whole
• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• 2 tbsp grappa or Marsala (we used dry sherry)
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp EVOO
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying
• Honey for drizzling (optional)
• Icing sugar for dusting

1. Slice the apples into 5mm slices. Place the apples in a bowl with the sugar and grappa. Mix well and leave to stand for 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the flour, egg yolks, milk and EVOO until smooth. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. Beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold through the chilled flour mixture to make batter.
4. Fill a deep-fryer or large heavy-based saucepan one-third with oil and heat to 180C, or until a cube of bread dropped in the oil browns in 15 seconds. Dip the apple slices into the batter to coat, then gently lower into the hot oil (be careful as hot oil will spit). Only do a few at a time. When golden on one side, turn over and cook the other side until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper. Repeat with the remaining apple slices and batter until all are cooked and golden.
5. To serve, place the apple fritters on a serving plate, drizzle with honey, if using and dust with a little icing sugar. Serve warm.