Ingredients

2 2/3 C. all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. + 1 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbs. + 1 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. + 1 tsp. salt
4 eggs, separated
1 C. Milk
1/2 Tbs. lemon zest
1/2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
6 garlic cloves, chopped finely
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 lb. California avocados, 1/4-inch dice

Creole Mustard-Apricot Sauce
1 3/4 C. apricot jam
1 C. Creole mustard
1/4 C. water

Directions

Mix dry ingredients; reserve. Beat egg yolks until light; whisk in milk and next 4 ingredients. Stir in dry ingredients until just mixed; if batter is too thick, thin with additional milk. Let batter rest in the refrigerator at least 2 hours or overnight. Gently fold in avocado; reserve.

Whip egg whites until stiff; fold into avocado mixture. Drop 3 generous spoonfuls of batter, one at a time, into 375 degree oil; cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serve with 1/4 C. Creole Mustard-Apricot Sauce on the side. Repeat until batter is all cooked.

To make Creole Mustard-Apricot Sauce, mix apricot jam, Creole mustard and water until well blended; reserve. Yield: 3 C.