New Halloween Tradition - Homemade Donuts

We started a new Halloween tradition this year...homemade donuts. I forgot to take pictures of making the dough and cooking them, but the recipe is easy to follow. I cooked the donuts and then had a tray with bowls of different toppings...glaze, chocolate glaze, sprinkles, nuts and coconut.  Everyone was able to create their own donut.  The kids had fun dipping and the adults said they were the best donuts ever!

Homemade Donuts

2 tablespoons yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 1/2 cups scalded milk, cooled to lukewarm (I used 1/2 cup powdered milk in 1 1/2 cups warm water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1/3 cup shortening

5 cups flour

Measure yeast and water in small bowl and let sit while assembling remaining ingredients.  In mixing bowl, combine milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour.  Beat on low speed until smooth.  Stir in remaining flour and yeast.  Beat for 2 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.  Lightly flour counter and roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness.  Cut with donut cutter or I didn't care about having the hole in the middle so used a round cookie cutter.  You could also use an empty can.  Let rise for 30 minutes.  Heat oil in a deep fryer or electric frying pan to 350.  Carefully place donuts into hot oil.  Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.  Carefully turn over and cook on other side.  Remove from oil with tongs or large slotted spoon and place on platter lined with paper towels to drain.  Dip in glaze and other toppings as desired.

Glaze

1/2 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

5 tablespoons hot water

Stir together until smooth. 

Chocolate Glaze

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup cocoa

1/3 cup milk

4 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

Melt butter and add cocoa.  Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minutes.  Stir in milk, powdered sugar and vanilla.  Stir until smooth.

Dip in glaze.

Then in topping.

Then EAT!  YUM!

Don't throw those pumpkins away.  I'll show you why tomorrow!