Yeast Donuts

Yeast Donuts:

1. Add yeast, water and sugar to a stand mixer bowl, stir well and let sit for five minutes.
2. Add milk and vegetable shortening to a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30-45 seconds on 50% power, until shortening has just melted.
3. Add the milk mixture to your stand mixer and mix on the lowest speed setting.
4. Add in 2 cups of flour, eggs, sugar and salt and combine on low speed.
5. Add in the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until just combined.
6. Change to a dough hook, then knead for 6-8 minutes until it pulls away from the bowl.
7. Remove the dough and add to a large greased bowl, then turn to coat so both sides of dough are greased.
8. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour.
9. Punch down dough and remove onto a floured surface.
10. Roll dough roughly just under 1/2″ thick.
11. Cut out donuts with a 3″ donut cutter.
12. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees.
13. Without crowding the pot, fry donuts and donut holes in batches.
14. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
15. Remove with slotted spatula onto a baking sheet.
16. Note: Fry the remaining edges and enjoy as a treat for the cook!
17. Let donuts cool for 10 minutes before glazing them.

Donut Glaze:

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

To Finish:

1. Dip the top of the donuts in upside down, turn them over with a fork to coat both sides then lift with the fork in the center of the donut and let excess amounts drip off.
2. Let harden on a cooling rack on your baking sheet for 20 minutes before serving.