Serves 4
2 firm unpeeled Delicious apples
Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
Confectioners’ sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup beer
Pinch of salt
1. In a large skillet, heat ½ inch of oil to 375 degrees.
2. Combine the batter ingredients in a deep shallow bowl.
3. Slice each apple crosswise into 4⅓-inch-thick slices. Cut out the seeds in the center of each slice with an apple corer or cut out the centers with the sharp point of a small knife.
4. Dip an apple slice into the batter on both sides and let the excess batter drip back into the bowl.
5. Gently lower the coated apple slice into the hot oil. Repeat the procedure, cooking 4 apple slices at a time. Cook until golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels and cook the remaining apple slices. Drain. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately.
Variation: Fresh pear slices can be cooked in exactly the same manner.