Raised Doughnuts****

By Gigirox

In true Pennsylvania Dutch tradition,
I make these doughnuts every year for
"Fastnacht" Tuesday. Of course that's
not the only time I make these.

Ingredients

• Doughnuts:
• 4 1/2 tsp (2 envelopes) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil for frying
• Glaze:
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 tablespoons hot water or as needed
• Chocolate Frosting:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4-6 tablespoons hot water
• 4 ounces milk chocolate chips

Preparation

Step 1

1-Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
2-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.
3-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. 4-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.
5-Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with PAM.
Let doughnuts rise again until double, about 30-40min.

Glaze:
1-Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2-Stir in 10x sugar and vanilla until smooth.
3-Remove from heat, and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.

Chocolate Frosting:
1-Heat butter and chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat.
2-Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
3-Stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F. Carefully fry doughnuts in hot oil. Drain on wire rack or paper towels.

Dip hot doughnuts in glaze or roll in granulated sugar.You can also frost glazed doughnuts with chocolate frosting.