Beignets aux Pommes (Apple Fritters)

Ingredients:

For the Fritters:
4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 tbsp ice water
2 green apples, peeled, cored and sliced into 8 rounds
oil for frying

For the Syrup:
100g icing sugar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp lemon juice

Method:

In a bowl, mix together the cornflour, sugar and 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Form a well in the centre and add the egg white and 1 tbsp ice water. Beat the ingredients together to combine until the batter is smooth.

Heat oil to a depth of 3cm in a medium-sized frying pan. Dip a few of the apple slices in the batter, turning to coat evenly. Allow any excess batter to drain away then carefully lower the apples into the hot oil.

Fry for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy then remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper as you fry the next batch.

Whilst the apples are frying, prepare the syrup. Combine the water, lemon juice and sugar in a heavy saucepan. Stir to dissolve over low heat (it must be lump-free) then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gently simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the syrup is a light caramel colour. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 1 minute before serving.

Arrange the fritters on a warmed serving dish, sprinkled with the remaining sesame seeds and drizzled with the syrup.

These fritters are typically served as a dessert, though they are also sometimes served to accompany pork.