Frappe are one of my favorite dessert, ever! In many Italian regions, frappe are typical Carnival sweet fritters. During my childhood I remember the feeling of patiently waiting for frappe to show up at the local "pasticcerie". 

If you've never heard of them, you should try to do it yourself, it's very easy!
I only made homemade frappe for the first time this year, I don't know why. Maybe I thought it was too complicated, that it would take too long, that the gluten free version wouldn't be as good. I'm happy that I proved myself wrong in all areas! It was such a happy moment (also for my other half) that I brought a batch at work as well. You know, happiness is stronger when shared. 
Give it a try, and your Carnival gluten free (and delicious)!

Ingredients 

• 200 gr rice flour
• 50 gr potato starch
• 50 gr butter
• 30 gr sugar
• 10 gr xanthan gum
• 2 eggs
• 15 gr spirit (grappa or similar)
• 1 tsp vanilla aroma (or 8 gr vanilla sugar)
• A pinch of salt
• Peanut oil to fry
• Confectioner's sugar

1. First of all combine the flours, salt and xanthan in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla.
2. Add the flour to the mix and start knead with your hands, adding the butter a piece at a time. Pour in the spirit. I didn't have grappa at home so (it's funny to say) I used Pisco, because it also comes from grapes. 
3. Work quickly with your hands until all the ingredients are combined, form a ball with the dough and wrap in cling film. Rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. To create the frappe, roll the dough to 2 mm thickness, and cut into rectangular shapes with a (zig-zag edged) pastry cutter wheel.
5. Fry 3-4 pieces at a time in hot peanut oil, until golden. It will take about 2-3 minutes per each round. Flip halfway if necessary.
6. Leave the fritters to cool on a plate lined with paper towels, for 10-15 minutes. Transfer them onto a clean plate, sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!

TIPS: If you are looking for a lighter and healthier option, you can also cook the fritters in the oven, at 180 °C for about 12 minutes (until the sides become golden). These Carnival fritters are best after they cool down. Of course, if you cannot resist, you can eat them almost straightaway. The great thing is that you can preserve them for 5 days (kept in an air-tight container) and enjoy a bite every now and then.

Have you tried it? Do you have any suggestions? Leave your comment!