Chinese Recipe : Honey Apples

One of the favorite Chinese desserts both inside China and outside, Honey Apples is apple rings dipped in syrup then in batter and finally deep fried

Ingredients:

• 5 cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into 4 rings.
• 3/4 confectioners' sugar
• 1 lemon, sliced

Syrup:

• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp. clear honey
• 1 cup water
• Juice of 2 lemons

For syrup, add sugar, honey and water into a large saucepan. Bring to boil, then boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in lemon juice.

Batter:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 egg whites, stiffly beaten
• Vegetable oil for deep fry

Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Beat in the egg yolks and water until the mixture forms a smooth batter. Quickly fold in the egg whites.

Directions:

1. Drop the apple rings into the syrup and carefully stir the apples to coat the rings thoroughly with the syrup. Set aside for 1 hour.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the apple rings to the batter, and stir to coat them completely. Discard the syrup. Set the apples aside.
3. Fill a large saucepan one-third full with oil and heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit on a deep fat thermometer.
4. Carefully lower the apple rings into the oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen towels.
5. Put the confectioners' (icing) sugar on a large plate. Dip the apples in the sugar and arrange them on a serving dish.
6. Decorate with lemon slices.