RINSE THE APRICOTS, slit the sides and
remove the pits with a small spoon,
leaving the apricots intact.
Replace each pit with an almond.
Place the apricots in a bowl and
sprinkle the slit sides with the rum.
For the batter, combine the dry ingredients
in a bowl and whisk in the water,
then the melted butter. Pour the oil into a
4-quart pan and heat it to 350°.

With a fork, dip the apricots into the batter
and add to the hot oil 3 or 4 at a time,
frying them about 6 or 7 minutes,
until the batter is a deep golden and
the apricots are cooked, but still firm.
Drain the fritters on absorbent paper
as they are fried and keep them warm
in a 300° oven. To serve, sprinkle the fritters
generously with confectioners' sugar.
Serves 8.