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Italian Frittelle Raisin Fritters with Orange

These Italian Frittelle Raisin Fritters with Orange are sweet, warm, and comforting bite-sized treats, perfect for holiday trays or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 36 fritters
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fritter Batter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk Warm until lukewarm.
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar 1 teaspoon reserved for yeast activation.
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon rum Optional; for adults 21+.
  • 1 tablespoon grated zest of 1 orange Use fresh orange for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup raisins Optional substitutions include currants or dried cranberries.
Coating & Frying
  • 4-5 tablespoons granulated sugar For coating after frying.
  • Peanut oil For frying; can substitute with sunflower or canola oil.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan until steam rises and tiny bubbles form at the edges. Allow it to cool until lukewarm.
  2. Whisk the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar into the milk and let it stand for about 10 minutes until frothy.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, egg, rum, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture and beat until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in raisins. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Cooking
  1. Heat peanut oil to 350°F (180°C) in a high-sided pan.
  2. Scoop small amounts of the batter and slide into the hot oil. Fry for about 1.5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
  3. Drain fritters on absorbent paper and roll in sugar while warm.

Notes

These fritters are best served warm and can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.