It took a Nor’easter dropping anywhere from 24 to 36 inches of snow in the New York area to finally make this delicious recipe- my grandmother’s doughnuts. The snowy weekend blizzard was the perfect opportunity to try out a Christmas present – my shiny new deep fryer!  The key to having a great doughnut, that is crispy and light, is getting the oil to the right temperature. The fryer makes this easy. You can also use a deep pot filled with oil and use a thermometer. Whichever way you decide to fry , this is the perfect way to show your love to your family and friends by making something this special. I think of making doughnuts a little bit of a cooking event but the results are well worth it. The winter isn’t over so you might want to consider this cooking project when you have to be spending some time indoors. You and your family will be glad you did!

From by the bay wishing you, some wintry doughnut food memories!

Maryann

Old Fashioned Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound unsalted butter softened, plus 1 tablespoon melted
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups flour, plus more if needed
• 1 package dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon rind
• optional: confectioner’s sugar, vanilla sugar or cinnamon sugar

*oil for deep fryer , per instructions

Directions

In a small bowl add yeast to water and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer add 1/4 pound butter, sugar and salt. In a small sauce pan scald milk. Pour scalded milk over the ingredients in the bowl. Mix well and add 1 cup of flour and beat until smooth. Add yeast, eggs and lemon rind. Add flour in three portions combining to make a soft dough. Place on a floured board and knead. Add more flour if too tacky to knead. Shape dough into a ball and place in clean bowl brushed , with melted butter. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Keep in a warm place until doubled in bulk. Punch down and turn our on to a floured board. Pat down until about 1/2 inch thick. Let rest 10 minutes . Use doughnut cutter 1/2 thick and 2 1/2 inch round.  Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F. Don’t over crowd. Use tongs to turn when bottoms are brown. Watch as this will depend on your fryer. When both sides  are brown, remove from oil and drain on paper towels.  When cooled sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar. Or while warm roll in vanilla sugar or granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon. Fry the doughnut holes separately. An easy way to sugar the holes , place sugar in a brown paper lunch bag , add the warm doughnut holes , hold bag closed , shake and serve!