Basic Doughnuts

Directions

1. 1
   In a large, deep heavy pot or an electric fryer heat the oil to 375 degrees.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, beat together the egg and sugar.
3. 3
   Stir in the milk and the shortening.
4. 4
   Sift together all of the dry ingredients.
5. 5
   Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and stir to combine.
6. 6
   Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
7. 7
   On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough to 1/2 inch thickness with your fingertips or a rolling pin.
8. 8
   Cut out the doughnuts using a doughnut cutter or two sizes of round cookie cutters.
9. 9
   Transfer doughnuts to wax paper and allow to dry for 10 minutes.
10. 10
    Using a spatula dipped in the hot oil, carefully transfer the doughnuts to the hot oil.
11. 11
    Cook 2 - 3 doughnuts at a time, flipping them when they brown on a side.
12. 12
    Remove to paper towels to drain.
13. 13
    Dust with confectioners' sugar or cinnamon sugar mixture.
14. 14
    Serve warm.
15. 15
    Doughnut holes: Add dough to hot oil by the spoonful and fry until golden.
16. 16
    Variations: Chocolate doughnuts: Combine the melted shortening with 1 ounce of melted chocolate before adding to batter.
17. 17
    Glazed doughnuts: Combine 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar with 2 teaspoons hot milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
18. 18
    Drizzle over cooled doughnuts.
19. 19
    Jelly doughnuts: Stir 1/2 cup jelly of choice until smooth.
20. 20
    Transfer jelly to a plastic baggie and snip off one corner to squeeze out jelly.
21. 21
    Poke doughnut round with a chopstick And squirt in jelly.