Beignets Dabricots Apricot Fritters Recipes

BRANDIED APRICOT BEIGNETS WITH CHOCOLATE DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• For sauce:
• Bring first 3 ingredients just to boil in medium saucepan. Remove from heat; add chocolate. Let stand 30 seconds. Whisk until smooth. do ahead Can be made 4 days ahead. Cover; chill.
• For beignets:
• Bring apricots, 3 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons sugar, and brandy to boil in medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Steep, covered, 30 minutes. Drain; reserve apricots and syrup.
• Bring 1/2 cup water, milk, butter, and salt to boil in large saucepan over high heat, stirring until butter melts. Remove from heat. Add flour; stir briskly until dough gathers into ball. Place pan over medium heat; stir constantly until film forms on pan bottom, about 2 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Using electric mixer, beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in apricots. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 200°F. Line large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Pour oil into large deep saucepan to depth of 1 1/2 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of pan; heat oil to 330°F to 340°F. Working in batches of 5 or 6, drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into hot oil. Cook beignets until golden brown, adjusting heat to maintain temperature and turning after 2 or 3 minutes, about 5 minutes Total. Using slotted spoon, transfer beignets to sheet. Place in oven to keep warm.
• Rewarm chocolate sauce over low heat. Mix in reserved apricot syrup.
• Sift powdered sugar over beignets. Divide among plates. Serve with warm chocolate sauce.

BEIGNETS D'ABRICOTS - APRICOT FRITTERS

Steps:

• For the batter: beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Beat egg yolks until light; add sugar and salt, beat well and add flour, beating again.
• Add fruit juice and butter and enough water to make about the consistency of pancake batter.
• Fold in egg whites.
• Peel apricots if using fresh, stone and cut in half.
• Sprinkle with lemon peel and sugar; marinate in Madeira for two hours.
• Drain well, dip into batter and drop from spoon into hot oil (365F) and fry until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.