Recipe: Honeybush Pumpkin Chai Fritters
by Georgia Frank
August 30, 2022
In this recipe, we are using everyone's most cherished September harvest, apples! Apples are a favorite part of this time of year. They remind us of school and getting back into the swing of things after summer fun. If you ever get the chance, a great activity for this time of year is going to an apple orchard and picking your own. Apples are so sweet and juicy right off the tree, and you can't miss out on fresh apple cider, there is nothing like it!
Adagio's Honeybush Pumpkin Chai will also transport you into a celebratory fall spirit! Opening the package, your nose is treated to all the smells forgotten during warmer seasons. Can we really start the autumnal fun without the flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and all our favorite warm pumpkin spices? Nope! Bring on the chai, the lattes, and this soon-to-be your favorite Honeybush Pumpkin Chai Fitters with Apple Cider Glaze!
What is a fritter?
There are many kinds of fritters, both sweet and savory. Many fried treats can be considered a fritter. Fritters are always fried bites that most commonly consist of fried dough. These snacks can be just fried dough or contain meats, seafood, fruits, or vegetable mixed with dough or battered and breaded.
The fritters we'll be making contain mixed with an easy, fuss-free dough! The inspiration for this delight is another fall favorite treat, apple cider doughnuts. Apple cider doughnuts are often sold at apple farms, made from the sweet cider pressed from freshly picked apples. They are so delicious and awaited for all year!
Making a fritter at home is much easier and quicker than making a doughnut at home. With this recipe, you'll be to get this goodness at home all autumn. We recommend trying to use freshly pressed apple cider if it's available to you.
What kind of apples should I use?
Good question because there are so many varieties of apples! You'll certainly have an array to pick from. Use your favorite or what is freshest. With this recipe, it's hard to go wrong. You can make this recipe multiple times and experiment! When we made this recipe, we choose sweet Honeycrisp to match our honeybush!
What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
Apple cider and apple juice are very similar drinks. Both start with the same process of grinding down apples and then pressing them. Apple cider is the juice pressed from the apples raw and unfiltered. Apple juice is when the pressed juice is filtered and cooked to create smoother and more transparent produce. Apple cider has a sharper tangy taste and a cloudy look. Apple juice is not sharp but smooth and sweet.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Absolutely! Apple juice is a great replacement and still has all the apple flavor we want.
What equipment will I need?
Most important, you'll want to make sure you have a deep, heavy-bottom pot to fry in. A deep pot will help avoid the oil splatter. Also needed will be mixing bowls, whisks, and a cooling tray. This recipe also requires ground Honeybush Pumpkin Chai to add the batter. To grind the tea, you'll need a spice grinder, or a mortar and pestle. And for frying the fritters, you will need a deep-fry thermometer. The ideal oil temperature for the recipe is 360°F. If you start frying when the oil is too cool, the fitters will come out too oily. Too hot, and they will end up burnt and undercooked.
How do I prepare Adagio's Honeybush Pumpkin Chai?
Preparing the tea is simple and should be done ahead of making the Honeybush Pumpkin Chai Fritters. The instructions on how to brew the tea with hot and cold water will be found on the packaging. The recommended preparation for this recipe is a hot brew. Brew hot and allow the tea to cool to home temperature.
Honeybush Pumpkin Chai Fritters With Apple Cider Glaze
Yields 12 - 15 fritters
Ingredients
Honeybush Pumpkin Chai Fritters1 large apple, peeled and finely diced
1 1/2 tbsp Honeybush Pumpkin Chai
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground Honeybush Pumpkin Chai (can use the gritTEA to grind your tea)
Pinch of salt
1 cup apple cider
1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Apple Cider Glaze
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp apple cider
2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
1 tsp Honeybush Pumpkin Chai
Instructions
Honeybush Pumpkin Chai FrittersPeel and finely dice the apple. Put into a container and pour 1 1/2 tbsp of Honeybush Pumpkin Chai tea over diced apples. Marinate apple pieces in tea and place them into the refrigerator until needed.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, ground Honeybush Pumpkin Chai, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk apple cider, butter, vanilla, and egg together.
Slowly pour the apple cider mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until all is combined.
Gently fold marinated apple pieces into the combined mixture.
Pour oil into a deep pot and heat on the stove. Using a deep-fry thermometer, bring the oil temperature up to 360F. Once the oil temperature is reached, test fry a small piece of batter, making sure doesn't burn quickly.
Fry 3 to 4 fritters at a time. Scoop a heaping tablespoon out of the batter and gently drop it into the hot oil.
Fry fritters for 2 minutes on one side, flip, and continue to fry until golden brown, which will be another minute or two.
If fritters are turning too dark too quickly, turn down the heat. This will help avoid them being burnt on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
Once fritters are cooked, place them on a plate covered with a paper towel or a cooling rack. This will help remove excess oil.
Apple Cider Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, cider, honey or maple syrup, and Honeybush Pumpkin Chai tea together in a small bowl. Combine until smooth.
Dip cooled fritters one at a time and glaze until completely covered. Allow excess to drip off.
Allow glaze to set, dust with powdered sugar, and then enjoy!