Pear Fritters with Maple-Honey Glaze

Step 1

Chop the pears into small cubes and set aside.  In a skillet, add about 2 inches of neutral oil and heat on medium-low to medium.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, vanilla extract, almond extract, eggs, brown sugar, lemon zest, and melted butter. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 3

Add the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg.  Mix together until just combined, then add in chopped pears. Fold together until the pears are fully incorporated.

Step 4

Once the oil is hot (preferably reaching around 350 degrees F if using a candy thermometer), spoon 3 heaping tablespoons of batter into skillet.  I used a small ice cream scoop for this.  You want the batter to spread out more vs. being in more of a ball (or they'll be underdone).

Step 5

Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6

Once cooked, remove from oil with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel to drain, then move to a cooling rack.

Step 7

To make the glaze, add the honey, maple syrup, butter, powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a bowl and whisk together.  I strongly recommend sifting the powdered sugar to avoid lumps.

Step 8

Brush your pear fritters with the glaze, or (my preferred method) quickly dunk them in it on each side.  Set on a cooling rack to set...I put my cooling rack on top of a baking tray with foil for easy cleanup.