Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: December 2nd, 2021. Do you like Fritters of any kind because I don’t and neither does Charlie. But David likes Apple Fritters and my sister likes Corn Fritters. How about you do you like Fritters and if so what kind of Fritter?
National Fritters Day
Today is the day to fire up our fryers for National Fritters Day which falls on December 2nd. Did you know Fritters are easy to cook. Fritters exist in different forms in Cuisines all across the World. Fritters can be sweet or savory and Fritters can be an appetizer, dessert, or entrée. The first historical record of the Fritter dates back to 1665, but we guess Fritters have existed much longer than that.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FRITTERS DAY
The first recorded mention of the fritter was back in 1665. Samuel Pepys, a British Member of Parliament during the Restoration period in England, wrote in one of his diary entries that he would be enjoying Fitters before Lent. However, it is believed Fritters were first consumed by the Ancient Romans, who later introduced Fritters to Europe.
Fritters are used in many cuisines. The French Beignets, Italian “bignè”, and Greek “loukoumades” are examples of Fritter specific to different Countries. The custom of coating food in batter and frying it was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese and Spanish in the late 16th Century. From this, Tempura – deep-fried Shellfish, and Vegetables – was incorporated into traditional Japanese cuisine. Similarly, the Indian Pakora is a savory deep-fried Cake containing Meat or Vegetables including Cauliflower and Eggplant. Fritto Misto is an Italian fritter-like dish of several types of food, usually Seafood, dipped in batter and fried in Olive Oil. Another specialty is the Flower Fritter, which is basically deep-fried edible Flowers including Acacia and Squash Blossoms.
Fritters are easy and cost-effective to make so it comes as no surprise that there is a Fritter in every culture. You can find Fritters at restaurants, County Fairs, and even on the street. The most famous Fritters you can find in the U.S. are Corn Fritters. In the South, traditional Corn Fritters are made of melted Butter, Milk, Flour, Egg, and Corn Kernels. Corn Fritters can be baked, shallow fried, or deep-fried, and Corn Fritters are served with Cream, Honey, Fruit, or Jam. You can add any Fruit or Vegetable in Fritters.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FRITTERS DAY
- Raid your fridge and get cooking because making Fritters is super easy, and the possibilities are endless. Enjoy a new recipe or a Southern staple like Corn Fritters.
- \Not that you ever need an excuse to try a new restaurant, but celebrating a National Food Day is a great reason. Honor the Fritter and try something new.
- Fritters exist across various cuisines. Why not try a new dish? You can take your taste buds on an exotic journey by having a Bahamian Conch Fritter or Indian Pakora.
5 FACTS ABOUT FLOUR THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
- The earliest Archaeological evidence for Flour dates to 6000 BC when Wheat Seeds were crushed between basic millstones.
- In the 1930s, producers began to add Iron, Niacin, Thiamine, and Riboflavin into Flour.
- Flour made from Wheat Grains is the most satisfactory type of Flour for baked products that require a spongy structure.
- There are nine different types of Wheat Flour: Cake Flour, Pastry Flour, plain or all-purpose Flour, Bread Flour, hard Flour, Gluten Flour, Unbleached Flour, and Self-Raising Flour.
- Corn Flour has been cardinal in Meso-American cuisine since ancient times and remains a staple in the Americas.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL FRITTERS DAY
- Fritter recipes range across cultures, and food is always a great way to connect. National Fritters Day is a celebration of commonality across cultures.
- Savory or sweet, deep-fried or pan-fried, big or small, Fritters come in many varieties. They can be a snack, appetizer, entrée, or dessert.
- Anything that’s coated in batter and fried to brown, crispy goodness makes the most mouth-watering treat.
Recipe for Apple Fritters
- Vegetable Oil for deep-frying
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon White Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ⅔ cup Milk
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 3 cups Apples – peeled, cored and chopped
Instructions:
- Step 1 Heat the Cooking Oil in a deep-fryer or electric skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Step 2 In a large bowl, stir together Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder and Salt. Pour in the Milk, Eggs and Oil and stir until well blended. Mix in Apples until they are evenly distributed.
- Step 3 Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot Cooking Oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes depending on the size. Fry in smaller batches so the Fritters are not crowded. Remove from the hot Cooking Oil using a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels. Toss the Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar while still warm.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
