Yeast Doughnuts with Maple Icing

Name: Yeast Doughnuts with Maple Icing
Yield: about 2 dozen doughnuts
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (approximately 115°F); 1/3 cup plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup scalded milk; 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled; About 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface; Vegetable shortening or vegetable oil, for deep-frying; 1 recipe Maple Icing (recipe follows); 3 cups confectioners’ sugar; 4 to 5 tablespoons milk; 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (available in most grocery stores and specialty baking shops); (makes 1 1/2 cups icing)

December 9, 2011

Gina: Light, delicate, and full of flavor, homemade doughnuts are a true indulgence, one that’s worthy of a holiday, a birthday breakfast, or any other special occasion (“Look mom, all A’s!”). This recipe takes a bit of advance work, to prepare the dough and allow it to rise, but it’s a fun project to do with your kids. And the maple icing makes it difficult to eat just one.

Cooks' Note

Never fry more than four doughnuts at a time, and keep the fat as near to 360°F as possible, without letting it creep too high or fall too low. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts will absorb too much fat; if it’s too hot, the doughnuts will brown before they cook inside.

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