FRESH FROM FLORIDA: Learn How to Make Delicious Florida Strawberry Fritters

■ 2 cups Florida strawberries, diced

■ 1 cup Florida orange juice

■ 2 large eggs

■ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

■ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

■ 2 cups all-purpose flour

■ 1/3 cup sugar

■ 1 tablespoon baking powder

■ 1 teaspoon salt

■ 1 teaspoon cinnamon

■ 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

■ Pinch of cardamom

■ Pinch of white pepper

■ 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)

■ 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)

■ 2 quarts (or more) oil for frying

PREPARATION

■ In a medium bowl, toss sugar and cinnamon together and set aside.

■ To prepare the batter, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and white pepper in a large bowl.

■ Add the diced strawberries to the flour mixture and toss to combine.

■ In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vanilla, eggs and melted butter.

■ Add dry ingredients (in 2 stages) to wet ingredients until fully combined.

■ Set batter aside to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

■ Meanwhile, add at least 2 inches of oil to a cast iron pan or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat until 350 degrees. Using an ice cream scoop (or another high-heat safe spoon), drop mounds of batter into hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

■ Allow to fry for at least 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through or until golden brown. Transfer fritters to paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

■ Immediately toss in cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Serve warm.

Fresh tip: Seasonal fruit (Florida blueberries or mangoes) can be substituted if desired.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! December 26, 2022 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper