Strawberry Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup fruity, light white wine (recommended: Pinot Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 25 medium strawberries
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Confectioners' sugar

Directions

Put the flour in a mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Pour the wine, egg yolks, vegetable oil, and salt into the well and whisk the wet ingredients together. Gradually whisk the flour into the wet ingredients to make a batter. When smooth, set aside for 20 minutes.

Rinse, drain and dry the strawberries. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer (or 2 inches of oil in a deep, heavy pot) to 350 degrees.

Whip the egg whites in a mixer fitted with a whip attachment (or using a hand mixer) until soft peaks form. With the mixer running, drizzle in the sugar and continue whipping just until stiff and glossy. When you are ready to serve, fold the egg whites into the batter until completely blended.

Working in batches to avoid crowding the pot, spear a strawberry with a fork and dip into the batter. Drop into the oil and fry until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, and serve immediately.