Fall Flavors

What flavor evokes fall for you? Is it pumpkin, apple, or cranberry? It seems like each year fall flavors hit menus earlier and earlier. As the nights get cooler and fall schedules get started, warm comforting flavors can be just what you’re looking for.

Massachusetts cranberry harvest season typically takes place mid-September through November. These tart gems can be used in a variety of ways from drinks and appetizers all the way through dessert. Apple harvest is happening at the same time and the two fruits are a perfect pairing for fall cooking and baking.

When I started thinking about cranberry and apple my mind drifted to a traditional fall item that isn’t often made at home, apple cider doughnuts! I wanted an easier way to bring those flavors into my kitchen, and to incorporate cranberries. The result was cranberry-apple fritters – bite sized and good for an appetizer, side, or dessert. The tart New England cranberries and fresh apple paired with a light, airy batter came together for a delightful treat. Whether eaten hot, tossed in sugar, or paired with ice cream, these are a delicious and easy way to taste the flavor of fall.

What are your must-have fall flavors and foods?

Cranberry Apple Fritters

Fruit
16 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
½ tablespoon sugar
1 large apple, peeled and cored
Lemon juice

Dry Ingredients
1.5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar

Wet Ingredients
½ cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter

Enough canola oil to cover the fritters for frying

Instructions
Place rinsed and dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a food processor, pulse until chopped into small pieces.
Shred/grate the apple into ¼ inch strips into a bowl. Toss with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Set aside while mixing the other ingredients.
Mix dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients together.
Add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened.
Add cranberries.
Squeeze excess moisture out of the apples before adding into the batter.
Mix just until the fruit is incorporated evenly.

In a large pot heat oil to 350 degrees (use a fryer/candy thermometer to check the temperature).
When the oil has reached 350 degrees, drop in batter by the rounded teaspoonful. Add 3-4 fritters per batch. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip using tongs and cook for 2 minutes more.
Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined cooking rack.
Check the first fritter to ensure that the center has cooked through and the outside is golden brown. Lower the temperature if the center is raw, and leave the fritters in the oil for an extra minute or 2. Continue until all the batter is used.
Serve warm.

Serving suggestions: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with local honey or maple syrup, or just enjoy!