Homemade Apple Fritters

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Add milk, egg, and unsalted butter, then stir until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

While the dough rises, cook the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add apples, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook until the apples soften and the mixture looks syrupy, 5 to 7 minutes. Cool completely.

In a shallow bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a long oval. Spoon the cooled apple filling over half of the dough, then fold the other half over the top and pinch the edges to seal.

Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, chop almost all the way through the filled dough in both directions to make a rough grid. Divide into 12 pieces, then loosely shape each piece into a lumpy round, using the flavored flour mixture as needed to keep things from sticking.

Set the shaped fritters in a muffin pan and let them rest for 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat neutral oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Fry the fritters in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining vanilla extract until smooth and thick enough to drizzle. Spoon over the warm fritters and let the glaze set before serving.