Ingredients:

2 C + 1 T canola oil, divided
1 lg. egg, slightly beaten
1/2 C milk
1 C sweet apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 C all purpose flour
1/2 C sugar + 1 T sugar, divided
1 t baking powder
1 1/4 t cinnamon, divided
1/4 t salt
1/2 C strawberry or maple syrup

Directions:

Place the 2 C of canola oil into a deep fryer or heavy pan and allow to heat to 365 degrees.

Pour the milk into a bowl with the slightly beaten egg and whisk to combine. Add the apples to the mixture and gently stir to incorporate.

In a separate mixing bowl toss together the flour, 1 T sugar, the baking powder, 1/4 t cinnamon and the salt. Add the flour mixture to the egg and milk and blend until all the dry ingredients are just moistened.

Drop 3 to 4 teaspoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry 4 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. Remove the fritters when they are a golden brown with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain.

Continue deep frying in this manner being sure to allow the oil to return to the correct temperature before adding a new batch.

Place the remaining sugar and 3/4 t of the cinnamon into a sealable plastic bag. Add the fritters a couple at time. Seal the bag after each addition and shake to cover the fritters well.

Place the fritters on plates.

Place the syrup into a microwave safe bowl. Stir in the remaining cinnamon until well combined. Microwave on high for 30 seconds or until the syrup is warmed. Pour the syrup over the fritters just before serving.

Serving Size: 16 fritters

Breakfast is a great time to spend together as a family and enjoying a special Valentine’s Day treat. Add a few fresh strawberries on the side to how them just how much they matter.

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February 14th is a special day. It goes without saying that we show our love to those in our lives throughout the year but on that day we like to do something extra special. Start of the morning with a breakfast that screams, “I love you.”

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It provides us with the nutrition we need to make it until lunch time without passing out. There are plenty of suggestions for Valentine’s Day breakfast meals that kids can make for parents or one spouse can make for the other (women do make breakfast for their husbands, too).

Let’s start with casseroles. These are man-friendly breakfast dishes that don’t require too many steps. Most casseroles can be put together ahead of time and baked on demand in the morning.

Most breakfast casseroles contain eggs. They hold the entire meal together. If your sweetie doesn’t like them or doesn’t eat them, you can choose something else to make. Some popular add-ins for casseroles include: sausage, bacon, hashbrowns, chopped peppers, chopped onions, ham, and cheese. Yum!

How about breakfast in bed? We’ve all heard about it and probably thought it was some type of urban legend, but it does happen and Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion. Keep it simple so there’s room on the tray for a rose or a beautiful card.

The centerpiece of that breakfast place can be pancakes or French toast. Metal cookie cutters are placed in the pan and batter poured in to make heart-shaped pancakes. For French toast, it’s easier to cook the toast and then use the heart-shaped cutter to create your loving masterpiece.

Some people don’t like to eat too much in the morning. For them, try a simple breakfast of fruit and toast. Cube their favorite fruit and top with yogurt. Some toast and jam adds substance to the meal. This is a Valentine’s breakfast that would satisfy that vegetarian in your life.

The season is still winter when Valentine’s Day rolls around. If it happens to be a particularly cold morning where you are, try a bit of hot cereal like oatmeal or cream of wheat for that special day. Use honey or syrup to drizzle a sweet “I love you” on the top.

Valentine’s Day is that time when we show the folks we love an extra special good time. This year, start with an invigorating meal that comes from the heart to show them how we feel.

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