This recipe is extremely similar to the Krispy Kreme recipe that is well known as one of the best donuts you can buy. Serve them warm or reheat in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds.

Yields: Makes 12 donuts.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast
• ½ cup of warm water (110º F)
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar
• ¼ cup of evaporated milk, warmed to 110º F.
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ cup of vegetable shortening (room temperature)
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
• 3 to 4 cups of vegetable shortening (for frying)

For the Glaze

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/3 cups of powdered sugar Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 teaspoons of hot water

Method of Preparation

• Use a mixer to combine the yeast, warm water, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add the evaporated milk, the rest of the sugar, salt, egg ingredients, vanilla, and ¼ cup of shortening.
• Add half of the flour, and use the whisk attachment to blend until it is smooth.
• Switch to the hook attachment, and add the remaining flour. Kneed on low until the mixture is smooth. This usually takes 4 to 5 minutes. Add additional flour if needed.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 ½ hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
• Punch the dough down and roll it onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
• Cut into doughnut shapes with a doughnut cutter or two different- sized round cutters. Cover and let the doughnuts rise an additional 30 to 40 minutes.
• Heat the shortening in a cast iron Dutch oven until it is 360º F. Do not let it get above 375º F.
• Mix the glaze ingredients together in a shallow dish. The glaze should be fairly thick.
• Transfer the donuts to the oil and fry in batches (about three at a time). Fry until they are golden brown on each side.
• Transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Dip the top half of each donut in the glaze while they are still warm. Return to the wire rack to let the glaze set at room temperature.