Recipes from China :: Chinese Desserts
2 med. green cooking apples
1 c. flour
2 c. water
3 tsp. sesame oil
3 c. canola (or other vegetable) oil
2 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
Cold water
Ice cubes
Pare apples, cut into quarters and remove cores. Cut each quarter in half crosswise, making 16 pieces total. Measure flour into bowl. Gradually blend in 1 c. of the water using a whisk. Add 2 tsp. of the sesame oil. Beat until smooth. Brush remaining 1 tsp. sesame oil over a serving plate. Set aside.
Place apple pieces in batter, turning to coat completely. Heat 3 c. canola (or other vegetable) oil in wok over med.-high heat to 375 degrees fahrenheit.
Using a slotted spoon, lift apple pieces from batter and place in oil. Cook half of the pieces at a time until light brown, about 2 mins. Drain on absorbent paper. Pour oil out of wok but do not clean wok. Measure remaining 1 c. water and the sugar into wok. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches about 235 degrees fahrenheit on a candy thermometer, 10 to 13 mins. Remove from heat immediately. Mix in apples and sesame seeds. Transfer to the oiled serving plate.
Place cold water and ice cubes in bowl. Dunk apples in the ice water before eating.
