Bing Cherry Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups Bing cherries, pitted
• Oil for frying
• Sifted confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon.
2. Add the milk, egg yolks, oil and lemon juice and beat until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
4. Fold in the pitted cherries.
5. In a deep, heavy saucepan, heat 3 inches of oil to 375 degrees F.
6. Drop a few tablespoonsful of the batter into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a very low oven.
8. Repeat until all the batter is cooked.
9. Serve at once, topped with confectioners' sugar.