Salted apple fritters with maple syrup and almonds

 Put apple rings in a bowl and sprinkle with caster sugar, brandy and nutmeg. Toss and allow to stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. 

 Meanwhile, to make batter, whisk eggs, caster sugar, milk, oil and cloves in a large bowl until combined.

Sift in flours and baking powder. Whisk to form a batter, then stand for 20 minutes (if batter is too thick, add a splash more milk). 

Pour oil into a large deep saucepan until 5cm deep. Heat to 180°C on a cook’s thermometer, or until a bread cube turns golden in 30 seconds. 

 Dust apple rings, one at a time, in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into batter to coat, then shake off excess. 

 Deep-fry apple rings in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden and tender. Drain on kitchen paper and dust with icing sugar and season with a little salt. 

 Arrange apple fritters on a serving plate, drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle over almonds. Serve with ice-cream and/or cream.