Splendid Strawberries

STRAWBERRY FRITTERS

Makes about 12

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying
1¾ cups self-rising flour
1¼ cups sugar, divided
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
⅔ cup whole buttermilk
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

1. In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to fill halfway, and heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ¼ cup sugar, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; whisk in buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla until a thick batter forms.

3. Gently pat strawberries dry with paper towels; gently fold into batter.

Working in batches, carefully drop batter