Title: Caramel Fried Apples or Bananas
Categories: Oriental Dessert
Yield: 6 Servings
| 1/2 | c | All purpose flour |
| 2 | tb | Cornstarch |
| 3/4 | ts | Baking powder |
| 1/2 | c | Water |
| 2 | | Golden Delicious apples -or- |
| 2 | | Bananas |
| | | Salad oil |
| 2/3 | c | Granulated sugar |
| 1/3 | c | Warm water |
| 1 | tb | Salad oil |
| 2 | ts | Sesame seeds |
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add water and stir
until smooth. Peel and core apples; cut each apple into 3 wedges. (If you
use bananas, peel and cut in 1/2 inch thick diagonal slices.) Place fruit
in batter and turn to coat evenly. Into a deep pan pour oil to a depth of
about 1 1/2 inches. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Using chopsticks or a spoon,
lift one piece of fruit at a time from batter and let excess batter drip
off, then lower fruit into hot oil. Cook several pieces at a time until
coating is golden brown (about 2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and
drain on paper towels. Generously oil a flat serving dish. Fill a serving
bowl to the brim with ice cubes; cover with water. Place sugar, water and
oil in a ten inch frying pan; stir to blend. Place pan over high heat. When
mixture begins to bubble (about one minute), shake pan continuously to
prevent burning. Continue cooking and shaking pan until syrup *just* turns
a pale straw color (about 9 minutes). Immediately remove from heat, add
sesame seeds, and swirl to mix. (Syrup will continue to cook after you
remove it from heat and color will turn golden in a few seconds.) Drop
fruit into syrup and swirl to coat evenly. Using two spoons, immediately
remove each piece of fruit and place on oiled dish so pieces do not touch.
At table, dip each piece of fruit in ice water so coating hardens and fruit
cools. Serve.