CRUNCHY DONUTS RECIPES

Steps:

• Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
• In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix for a few minutes at low speed, or stirring with a wooden spoon. Beat in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until double. Dough is ready if you touch it, and the indention remains.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Let doughnuts sit out to rise again until double. Cover loosely with a cloth.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown. Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Dip doughnuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to drain off excess. Keep a cookie sheet or tray under racks for easier clean up.

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water in 2 1/2-quart bowl.
• Add milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour.
• Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly.
• Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
• Stir in remaining flour until smooth.
• Cover and let rise until double, 50-60 minutes.
• (Dough is ready when indentation remains when touched.) Turn dough onto floured surface; roll around lightly to coat with flour.
• Gently roll dough 1/2-inch thick with floured rolling pin.
• Cut with floured doughnut cutter.
• Cover and let rise until double, 30-40 minutes.
• Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°.
• Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatula.
• Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface.
• Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side.
• Remove carefully from oil (do not prick surface); drain.
• Dip the doughnuts into creamy glaze set on rack then when slightly cooled spread chocolate frosting on top.
• Dip in sprinkles or other toppings after chocolate if desired.
• Creamy Glaze: Heat butter until melted.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
• Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.
• Chocolate Frosting: Heat butter and chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat.
• Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
• Stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.