Alton Brown's Yeast Doughnuts

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 20
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 ounces vegetable shortening (approximately 1/3 cup)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1/3 cup warm water (95 to 105 degrees f)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 23 ounces all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting surface (this is by weight, not volume)
• peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Recipe

• 1 place the milk in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat just until warm enough to melt the shortening.
• 2 place the shortening in a bowl and pour warmed milk over. set aside.
• 3 in a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let dissolve for 5 minutes.
• 4 after 5 minutes, pour the yeast mixture into the large bowl of a stand mixer and add the milk and shortening mixture, first making sure the milk and shortening mixture has cooled to lukewarm.
• 5 add the eggs, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and half of the flour.
• 6 using the paddle attachment, combine the ingredients on low speed until flour is incorporated and then turn the speed up to medium and beat until well combined.
• 7 add the remaining flour, combining on low speed at first, and then increase the speed to medium and beat well.
• 8 change to the dough hook attachment of the mixer and beat on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes smooth, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
• 9 transfer to a well-oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• 10 on a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 3/8-inch thick. cut out dough using a 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter or pastry ring and using a 7/8-inch ring for the center whole.
• 11 set on floured baking sheet, cover lightly with a tea towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.
• 12 preheat the oil in a deep fryer or dutch oven to 365 degrees f.
• 13 gently place the doughnuts into the oil, 3 to 4 at a time. cook for 1 minute per side.
• 14 transfer to a cooling rack placed in baking pan.
• 15 allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes prior to glazing, if desired.