Easy Recipes

Fontina Cheese Fritos (Fritters)

Really cheesy- but in a good way.

3/4 pound chilled fontina cheese
- Corn oil for frying
2 eggs, with yolks and whites separated
1/2 cup minced fresh basil
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
2/3 cup ice water
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste

Preheat oil to 350 degrees F. Cut cheese into 1-inch cubes. Mix egg yolks and garlic in a bowl. Add baking powder, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, olive oil and water. Mix until smooth. Let rest at room temperature for 2 hours. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until barely stiff. Fold into batter along with minced basil. Dip cheese chunks into batter. Drip off excess batter. Lower cheese chunks into oil until golden, approximately 1-1 1/2 minutes. Drain and remove from basket. Serve immediately.