Malassadas

Directions

1. 1
   In a small mixing bowl, combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon of the sugar, and the water.
2. 2
   Stir to dissolve the sugar and set aside.
3. 3
   If the yeast doesn't foam after a few minutes, you need to buy new yeast and start again.
4. 4
   In an electric mixer, beat the eggs and the remaining 3/4 cup sugar until thick and pale yellow in color, about 6 minutes.
5. 5
   Change the mixer attachment to a dough hook.
6. 6
   With the machine on low speed, slowly add the yeast mixture, melted butter, milk, half-and-half, and salt.
7. 7
   Add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until a soft ball forms that leaves the sides of the bowl and climbs up the dough hook.
8. 8
   Remove the dough and turn into a lightly-oiled bowl, turning to oil all sides.
9. 9
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set the bowl in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
10. 10
    Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and dust it with flour.
11. 11
    Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12x17 inches and 1/2 inch thick.
12. 12
    Cover the dough with a lightly-oiled piece of plastic wrap.
13. 13
    Put the dough in a warm, draft-free place and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
14. 14
    Heat 6 inches of oil in a deep, heavy pot, or an electric fryer, to 360 degrees F.
15. 15
    With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
16. 16
    Flour your hands, then pat the squares down a little to lightly flatten them.
17. 17
    Fry the squares, 2 to 3 at a time, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes, turning them to brown evenly.
18. 18
    Drain on paper towels.
19. 19
    Sprinkle the doughnuts with sugar and serve warm.