Paleo Apple Fritters

Traveling to Austria and not indulging in local desserts would be… why, that would be simply unthinkable!  And so, we indulged…

While we didn’t find an Austrian dessert we didn’t like (and it wasn’t for lack of sampling!), we were particularly smitten by the apple fritters at a little Salzburg café:

The fresh apple rings were decadently battered, deep fried, dusted with confectioner’s sugar, and served with a side of Chantilly crème.  What’s not to love about that?  Well, it turns out that the waistband of my jeans has other thoughts on the matter (sigh).  I can try to blame the ill fit on the dryer, but let’s be honest… the deep fried batter has got to go.

Have no fear!  The jeans-friendly version of apple fritters featured below captures the same wonderful flavors, but lightens things up a bit.  It’s paleo, too!  The combination of salt from the almonds and sweet from the honey is simply divine.  I hope you enjoy this guilt-free pleasure.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 large, firm apples

1 heaping tablespoon coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon ground mace (or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg)

1/4 cup coarsely chopped, salted almonds

2 tablespoons honey

Directions

Step 1) Slice 1/4 inch off of the top and bottom of each apple.  Slice each apple into 4 pieces, crosswise (through the core).

Step 2) Use a tiny cookie cutter or petit fours cutter to punch out the center of each apple slice.

Step 3) Melt half of the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat.  Add half the apple slices, sprinkle with ground mace, and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

Step 4) Repeat with remaining coconut oil and apple slices.

Step 5) Arrange cooked apple slices in a ring on a serving platter (alternatively, arrange on 4 individual serving plates).

Step 6) Sprinkle chopped almonds over the apple slices, and drizzle with honey.  Enjoy while warm!