Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                        ***FOR THE BATTER***
   1      cup           all-purpose flour
     1/2  teaspoon      baking powder
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
   2      tablespoons   sugar
   1                    few grindings of nutmeg
   1      pinch         ground cinnamon
   2      large         eggs -- lightly beaten
     1/2  cup           milk
   1      tablespoon    butter -- melted
     1/2  teaspoon      vanilla extract
                        ***FOR THE FRITTERS***
   1                    vegetable or peanut oil for frying
   4      medium        ripe bananas -- or 8 ladyfinger or,
                        -- red Cuban ba
                        peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
   1                    confectioners' sugar for dusting

Preparation:

1. At least one hour before serving, combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then whisk together with the eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla. Allow the batter to rest 1 hour at room temperature. 2. In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat 1 inch of oil to 375 degrees, or until a drop of batter sizzles immediately when it touches the oil. Dip the banana slices into the batter, coating them well, and cook until golden brown, turning with a slotted spoon. Cook only 5 to 6 slices at a time, so the oil does not cool. Drain the fritters on paper towels, transfer them to a platter, dust with confectioners' sugar, and serve hot