The days are short, the nights are long and the chill in the air continues to sharpen its razors edge. Apples are plenty and the New England partner to a great apple cheddar. When the two are woven together and accented with bacon a happy Utah style marriage takes place. Throw the whole lot in hot fat and you have a reason to want Fall and Winter to last.
Bacon, Apple and Cheddar Fritters
1 cup AP flour
1teaspoon baking powder
1/4teaspoon fine sea salt
1egg, lightly beaten
1/2cup milk
3slices of cooked, thick cut bacon, chopped fine
1/2cup plain applesauce
4oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cut in a 1/2”dice
1/2cup diced apple
2 green onions, finely sliced
Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together egg and milk and pour over dry ingredients. Stir to combine completely. Add applesauce and stir to blend. Fold in bacon, cheddar, apple and onion and till thoroughly combined.
Add peanut or canola oil to a medium sized pot and fill to a depth of three inches. Heat oil to 370ºF. Add batter to the oil by the tablespoonful and fry between 355ºF and 365ºF turning occasionally until the fritters are a deep golden brown, approximately 4-6 minutes. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with horseradish sour cream on the side.
