Apple Brandy Latkes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup cider or apple juice
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons brandy
• 2 eggs
• 1 red apple, unpeeled, cored and sliced in wafer-thin wedges
• Cinnamon sugar to sprinkle
• Oil for frying

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, vegetable shortening, sugar, cinnamon and raisins. Make a well in the center and add cider or apple juice, milk, brandy and eggs. Stir to mix.

Heat about 1/8-inch oil in a large skillet over medium heat until a drop of mixture sizzles. Slide 2 tablespoons of mixture for each latke into hot oil. Place 2 to 3 apple wedges on top. Flatten slightly with the back of a wooden spoon. Fry over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes longer until the second side is nicely browned. Serve hot, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Makes 10 to 12.