Definition

Noun: A French fritter is a specific type of pastry. It is a deep-fried, yeast-raised doughnut that is typically dusted with confectioners' sugar after cooking.

Usage

This term is used to name a particular food item. It is a countable noun. * Would you like a French fritter with your coffee? * The bakery is famous for its light and airy French fritters.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used descriptively in menus or recipes.
  • Dessert Special: Warm French fritter with berry compote.

Variants and Related Words

• Beignet: This is a closely related term, often used interchangeably in some regions, particularly for the square, powdered sugar-dusted pastries associated with New Orleans.
• Doughnut (or Donut): A more general term for a small, sweet, fried cake of dough.

Synonyms

• Beignet
• Fried dough
• Yeast doughnut

Notes on Meaning

• The defining characteristics are the yeast-raised dough (which makes it airy) and the deep-frying method. The dusting of confectioners' sugar is a typical, but not absolute, requirement for something to be called a French fritter.

Noun

1. a deep-fried, yeast-raised doughnut dusted with confectioners' sugar