Apple-Cranberry Fritters

• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 tablespoons melted margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup apples, unpeeled and chopped fine
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 6 cups oil for deep frying
• 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Stir together first four ingredients. Add apples, cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir together dry ingredients. Stir into first mixture with a spoon just until blended. Do not over-mix. Heat oil in a deep 3-4 quart pot. Deep fry by tablespoonfuls until brown, turning to brown evenly. Cool slightly on paper towels. Roll in sifted powdered sugar. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen.

I make these tasty fritters year-round, omitting the cranberries. The addition of cranberries makes them the perfect complement to our family's traditional Thanksgiving meal that includes turkey and ham.