Avocado-studded Mardi Gras Fritters with Creole Mustard-Apricot Sauce

Ingredients

 * 10 ½ oz all-purpose flour
 * 1 Tbsp + 1 teaspoon baking powder
 * 1 Tbsp + 1 teaspoon Sugar
 * 1 Tbsp + 1 teaspoon salt
 * 4 eggs, separated
 * 1 Cup milk
 * ½ Tbsp lemon zest
 * ½ Tbsp Chopped fresh thyme
 * 6 cloves garlic, chopped finely
 * 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
 * 4 California avocados, 1/4-inch dice
 * Creole Mustard-apricot Sauce (recipe follows)

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.

Per Order:

Drop 6 generous spoonfuls of batter, one at a time, into 375° F oil; cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serve with 1/4 cup Creole Mustard-apricot Sauce on the side.

Creole Mustard-apricot Sauce:

Mix 1-3/4 cups apricot jam, 1 cup Creole mustard, and 1/4 cup water until well blended; reserve.