Apple & pear fritters

Ingredients

·         1 quantity of batter ingredients (see 'Goes well with', below)

·         2 pears

·         1 English apple

·         1 tsp lemon juice

·         1 tsp cinnamon

·         100g golden caster sugar

·         oil, for deep-frying

·         vanilla ice cream, to serve

Method

1.    Make the batter (see 'Goes well with', right) but first separate 2 of the eggs and set aside the 2 egg whites. When the batter is mixed, whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until they just start to hold their shape, then fold into the batter. Peel, core and cut the pears into wedges. Peel, core and cut the apple into rings and toss both in a little lemon juice to stop them going brown. Mix the cinnamon and sugar and set aside.

2.    Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 180C or in a wok until a drop of batter sizzles and turns golden within 20 secs. In batches, dip the fruit in the batter, then carefully fry in the oil until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to drain onto kitchen paper, then toss in the sugar. Serve with vanilla ice cream.