Fresh Apple Fritters

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted

1 egg, beaten

Juice and grated zest of 1 orange

1 cup finely chopped unpeeled apple

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups vegetable oil

Confectioners' sugar

Directions:

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Combine the milk, butter and egg in a bowl and mix well. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, apple, sugar and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and stir just until moistened; do not overmix.

Heat the oil in a skillet to 350 degrees. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides; drain. Let stand until cool. Roll in confectioners' sugar. Serve with a salad or as a desert.

Serves: 10 - 12