First-Prize Doughnuts

If you are planning a Halloween party, you are going to need doughnuts.  You can't have a doughnut eating contest without them and a Halloween party isn't a party without it.  These are the best homemade doughnuts that I've tried.  They take a little while to make.  But don't be afraid, they are so delicious.  You'll thank me later. 

First-Prize Doughnuts

Prep Time: 20 minutes + rising
Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
Yield: About 2 dozen plus doughnut holes
Family Friendliness: Everyone loves doughnuts, I think.

Ingredients:

2 pkg. (¼ oz. Each) active dry yeast
½ c. warm water
½ c. warm 2% milk
½ c. sugar
½ c. shortening
2 eggs
1 t. salt
4½ to 5 c. all-purpose flour
Oil for deep-fat frying

TOPPINGS:
1¼ c. confectioners' sugar

4-6 T. water
Colored sprinkles
toasted coconut
mini M&M's
chopped peanuts
edible glitter
ground wafer cookies
crushed candy bars
cinnamon or cocoa sugar
Directions: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.  Add the milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 2 c. flour; beat until smooth.  Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.  Turn onto a floured surface.  Knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.  Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.  Punch dough down.  Turn onto a floured surface; roll out to ½” thickness.  Cut with a floured 3½” doughnut cutter.  Place on greased baking sheets.  Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.  In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°.  Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides.  Drain on paper towels.  In a shallow bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and water until smooth.  Dip warm doughnuts in glaze; decorate as desired with desired toppings.     

(This recipe came from Taste of Home magazine)