Famous Doughnuts

Name: Famous Doughnuts
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 2 h 4 min
Yield: 24 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast or 2 tablespoons active dry yeast; 1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees); 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; 1/3 cup shortening; 5 cups all-purpose flour; vegetable oil (for frying); 1/3 cup butter; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons hot water

Submitted by Air Force Mama

"Adapted from Jeanie"

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Ready In:: 2hrs 4mins
Ingredients:: 13
Serves:: 24

ingredients

2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast or 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
¹⁄₄ cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 ¹⁄₂ cups lukewarm milk
¹⁄₂ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
¹⁄₃ cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
vegetable oil (for frying)
For the glaze
¹⁄₃ cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons hot water

directions

Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of the flour.
Mix for a few minutes at low speed, or stirring with a wooden spoon.
Beat in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl.
Knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough into a greased bowl, and cover.
Set in a warm place to rise until double.
Dough is ready if you touch it, and the indention remains.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness.
Cut with a floured doughnut cutter.
Let doughnuts sit out to rise again until double.
Cover loosely with a cloth.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Remove from heat, and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula.
Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface.
Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown.
Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack.
Dip doughnuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to drain off excess.
Keep a cookie sheet or tray under racks for easier clean up.