No Fry Donuts

Today is known as Fausnaught Day in these parts! Traditionally, it was the day house wives made donuts to use up their fat before the start of Lent. My family makes donuts each winter, though often not on Fausnaught Day. I thought of sharing my mom's recipe. There isn't too many things better then a fresh hot homemade donut! But I figured you all probably have a good donut recipe. Besides, donut making isn't something I would attempt on my own. It really is a lot of work and by the end of the day I feel so grease sodden that I almost lose my appetite for donuts!

Last year on Fausnaught Day, I tried a recipe for baked donuts. The recipe was very simple to make and results surprisingly good! No, they are not as good as the traditional deep fat fried donuts. But, though opinions on nutrition vary widely, I think we would all agree that fried donuts can hardly be construed as health food! I'm looking forward to making this recipe again this year. Care to join me?

2 T yeast
¼ cup warm water

Dissolve yeast in warm water.

1 ½ cup warm milk
1/3 cup butter

Add milk and butter and stir for one minute.

½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cinnamon

Add all ingredients together with above and beat on low speed until smooth.

4 ½ to 5 cups flour

Stir in flour to form a soft dough. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place for one hour. Punch down, turn onto a floured counter and roll ½ inch thick. Cut donuts and place on greased baking sheets.
Brush with melted butter, cover, let rise until double.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.
Glaze with powdered sugar icing or sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon while still warm.