Cajun-style Avocado Fritters with Creole Mustard-Apricot Sauce

Ingredients

 * 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
 * 2 tsp baking powder
 * 2 tsp sugar
 * 2 tsp salt
 * 2 eggs, separated
 * ½ cup milk
 * ½ tsp finely chopped lemon zest
 * ½ tsp chopped, fresh thyme or pinch dried
 * 3 cloves garlic, chopped finely
 * pinch cayenne pepper
 * 2 genuine California avocados, diced ¼ inch
 * vegetable oil as needed for deep frying
 * Creole mustard-apricot sauce

Creole mustard-apricot sauce

 * ¾ Cup + 2 tablespoons apricot jam
 * ½ Cup Creole mustard or other whole-grain mustard
 * 2 Tbsp water

Directions

 * 1) Mix dry ingredients, reserve.
 * 2) Beat egg yolks until light, whisk in milk, lemon zest, thyme, garlic, and cayenne.
 * 3) Stir in dry ingredients until just mixed.
 * 4) Gently fold in avocado, reserve.
 * 5) Whip egg whites until stiff, fold into avocado mixture.
 * 6) Deep fry 6 generous tablespoons at a time until golden, about 3 minutes.
 * 7) Keep warm until all batter is used.
 * 8) Serve 3 per serving with ¼ cup Creole mustard-apricot sauce.

Creole mustard-apricot sauce

 * 1) Thoroughly mix apricot jam, mustard and water, reserve.