Apple Fritters Two ways with Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce

Apple season is in full swing here in the Hudson Valley of New York!  I thought I’d make apple fritters two ways: baked & fried, and why not use some hard cider in the batter to emphasize the delicious apple flavor?!  I’m warning you now, the caramel dipping sauce is addictive!! 

Ingredients (serves 2):

• Batter:

  • 1 Cup fava bean or chick pea flour / or wheat flour
  • 3/4 Cup Woodchuck Cider of Choice (any hard cider / beer / seltzer water may be used)
  • 3 Tablespoons raw sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon arrowroot starch (may replace with corn or potato starch)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 apples, sliced 14 inch thick
• oil, for frying

• Raw Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 14 soft Medjool dates, pitted (Dates seem a bit dry? Soak ’em in hot water for a few minutes and they’ll plump back up!)
  • 1/4 Cup nondairy milk
  • 1 Tablespoon raw coconut oil
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon sea salt (depends on how salty you’d like your caramel)

Directions:

1. If you’re baking these, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine your flour, arrowroot starch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and whisk to fully incorporate. Add in your cider and whisk until smooth.
2. IF BAKING: Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper and spraying with non-stick spray. Submerge each apple slice in your batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated, and lay on your baking tray. Repeat until all of your apple slices are used up. Pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, they will start to golden.
3. IF FRYING: Heat your skillet to medium-high heat and add enough cooking oil to fill your pan 1/4 inch. Submerge each apple slice in your batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place in your HOT oil and cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes, until golden. Repeat until all of your apple slices are fried. Optional: sprinkle with additional cinnamon & sugar when done frying.
4. To prepare your caramel dipping sauce, add all ingredients to your food processor or high-speed blender and process until it is smooth.

5. Enjoy eating whole!