Frying donuts doesn't have to be scary or a guessing game!
What makes a family very, very happy?
You gotta get one of these! What a difference it makes!!
Donuts are not that difficult. If you can make biscuits or roll out cookie dough, you can make donuts! The dough is very soft, but flouring everything makes a difference. If you are planning on frying donuts, I highly recommend getting a high temperature thermometer. It takes the guessing out of the equation and yields perfect...and I mean PERFECT donuts every time! Also, a donut cutter is helpful, but not necessary. You can always use a circular biscuit/cookie cutter and then just cut out the center. The donut cutter has made things much easier for me. (there is always the cruller shape, too....experiment with it!)
Old-fashioned Donuts
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1 T. + 1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. nutmeg
1 t. salt
2 eggs, beaten
2 T. oil
3 1/2 cups flour
Oil for frying. (about enough to fill a large pot to 4 inches deep)
sugar for dusting. (either confectioners' or granulated)
Mix the milk, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, salt, egg and oil together in a large bowl. Gradually add the flour, using just enough so that the dough is firm enough to handle yet as soft as possible. (I used all the 3 1/2 cups of flour, but needed more for the rolling out process)
Cover and chill for 1 hour. (I actually did not chill the dough...maybe it would have made it easier to handle...but I am impatient, as is my family!)
Turn out onto a floured board and knead for a few minutes. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 3 inch rounds. (or whatever size you have...) Place on a tray covered with waxed paper that has been lightly floured.
Heat oil to *380 degrees. (I started heating my oil before I mixed up the dough...remember, I did NOT chill my dough. It takes a bit of time for the oil to heat to the right temp)
*this temperature is CRITICAL for perfect frying conditions.
Fry 3-4 donuts at a time, turning them when one side is golden brown and browning the other side.
Drain on paper towels and dust with sugar while hot. (I put about a cup of sugar into a lidded plastic container and shake donut till covered)
I have to say that there is nothing like a fresh, warm donut...I believe with all my heart that this is how a donut was meant to be eaten! (and not to mention that it leaves a delicious smell wafting about the house for hours after!)
