As Disney started expanding their roster of characters to one that is slightly more diverse, I wanted to try my hand at some authentic desserts. For Aladdin, I found a great style of fritters that are really popular in the UAE

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 TBS lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp saffron
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 TBS baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 TBS sugar
• 1 cup soy yogurt
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• oil for frying

First, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and a pinch of salt into a large pot. Bring it to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. This will create a delicious syrup to pour over the fritters.

Then, on to making the fritters. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Separately, combine the applesauce and yogurt. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a dough forms. Then let it rest for about 10 minutes.

In a large pot, heat about 4 cups of oil to 350 degrees. Once it comes to temperature, scoop the dough into the hot oil, working in batches. Make sure they get browned on all sides, then drain them on a paper towel. Once they’re all fried, move them to a bowl and pour the syrup over the top.