Instructions: While perusing a recently acquired copy of Maria Polushkins "The Dumpling Cookbook" (ISBN 0-911104-85-1 pbk), I came upon an unusual recipe that used cherries. Recalling that someone requested some unusual cherry recipes, I 157, in the Sweet Dumplings Section.

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, egg yolks, 2 T confectioners sugar, rum and salt to form a smooth batter. Cover and let stand 1 to 2 hours.

2. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff and fold them into the batter.

3. Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large frying pan to 360 degrees F., then turn the heat to low.

4. Dip the cherries into the batter and stand them up into the hot oil. Fry for 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

5. Remove the cherries. Dip them into the confectioners sugar and serve.

Notes and variations: Another way to prepare cherry fritters is to tie together the stems of 5 cherries to form a bunch. Dip the bunch of cherries into the batter and deep fry in 3 to 4 cups of hot (360 F.) vegetable oil.

/FRUIT

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.