Pear Fritters with Lemon and Ginger

Yields about 40 fritters

by Melissa Pellegrino
from Fine Cooking
Issue 108
Last Edit Date: 10/20/2010 2:11:15 PM

Pear, lemon, and ginger are a match made in heaven. These crisp-yet-tender fritters would make an excellent dessert at Hanukkah.

more about:

2 small firm-ripe pears (preferably Bartlett), peeled, cored, and finely diced
1 Tbs. finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
1-1/2 cups plus 1 Tbs. granulated sugar
2 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 large egg whites
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
6-3/4 oz. (1-1/2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour
2 to 2-1/2 cups canola oil

In a small bowl, combine the pears, ginger, lemon zest, 1 Tbs. of the sugar, and 1/8 tsp. of the cinnamon. Macerate at room temperature for 15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. In another medium bowl, whisk the milk, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and the vanilla until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is slightly frothy. Whisk in the flour just until combined—it shouldn’t be completely smooth. With a rubber spatula, fold in the egg whites, and then fold in the pear mixture. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon.

Pour 1/2 inch of oil into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with a candy thermometer clipped to the side. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F. Using 2 tablespoons or a small ice cream scoop, carefully drop a ball of batter into the hot oil. Add 4 or 5 more to the oil, but don’t crowd the pan. Fry until golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, turn the fritters over and continue frying until golden-brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and drain briefly. Toss in the cinnamon sugar to coat and transfer to a platter. Continue cooking the rest of the fritters in the same manner. Serve hot.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : per fritter; Calories (kcal): 80; Fat (g): 3; Fat Calories (kcal): 25; Saturated Fat (g): 0; Protein (g): 1; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 1.5; Carbohydrates (g): 13; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 5; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 0;