It is Thanksgiving evening and I find myself having procrastinated in writing this post.  I had wanted to have it done earlier in the week… but here I sit.  In being the last to write in this little series, I fear I will sound redundant, being thankful for many of the same things that the other ladies have shared.

How about a shotgun list:

* my husband.  He is sweet, kind, and loving.  He continually reminds me of the grace of God in my life.

* my sweet kids.  They are healthy, witty, creative and fun.  I love them, and they often remind me of my need for the grace of God in my life!!

* my family.  I am surrounded by people who love and care for me.

* our home.  God has been so very kind in giving us our home in the country.  We love where we live, we love that we are able to use our home for events and meetings.

* our church.  Steve and I have been at Crossway for about 7 1/2 years and we are different people then when we first walked through those doors.  You all have been faithful to point us to grace, to understand the realities of our salvation, which has produced much more peace and joy in our hearts.  We are continually affected by our brothers and sisters who live their lives by embracing the truths of the gospel.

* church friends.  We really have a cool church, full of so many funny, talented, creative, kind people.  What a great bunch we are.

* my salvation.  ”Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity.” Ps. 32:1-2

The recipe I have to share with you has become a fast favorite around here.  Though these should really be a dessert or a treat, we have made them into a full meal.  That’s how tasty they are.  Here it is folks…homemade apple fritters.  Don’t be intimidated.  They are super easy, just a tad time consuming.

Apple Fritters

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2-¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1-¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 whole large eggs
• ¾ cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 whole granny smith apples, peeled and diced (any apple will do!)
• powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

• Preparation Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a fork, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

Gently fold dry and wet ingredients together until just combined (do not overmix.) Fold in apples. Add enough apples to make a very chunky batter.

Heat a couple of inches of canola oil over medium to medium-low heat. When it gets hot, drop a little drop of batter into the oil. If it sizzles immediately and rises to the top, the oil is ready; if it burns quickly, turn down the heat.

Drop teaspoons of batter into the hot oil, six or eight at a time. Sometimes they’ll flip over by themselves; sometimes you have to flip them. Just watch them and make sure they don’t get too brown, but cook them long enough to make sure the batter’s cooked through, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes total.

Remove and drain on a paper towel. Dust very generously with powdered sugar.