Some of my fondest memories are of hot donuts from the vans at various markets and sports events. Cinnamon doughnuts are my favourite followed closely by hot jam doughnuts. Definitely an indulgence and not something that I make very often. In recent years it was only ever with students at school. This is the recipe that I used with students.

Make balls of dough and insert a wooden spoon into the middle and then stretch the dough into a nice doughnut shape.

Deep fry in a bland flavourless oil such as grape seed 

Cook each side for approximately two minutes

Drain on paper towel and roll in sugar or cinnamon sugar.

This purchased doughnut cutter is inexpensive and produces even sized doughnuts.

Doughnuts

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons dried yeast

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons (60g) melted butter

2/3 -1 cup warm milk (tepid)

1 egg , beaten

Oil for deep frying (I use grapeseed or vegetable)

Sugar or cinnamon sugar (2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar) to coat cooked doughnuts

Method

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Pour in melted butter, warm milk and the egg and mix thoroughly. The dough should be moist and soft but not sticky.  If necessary add a little extra milk

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board or bench top and knead lightly until dough is smooth and elastic. Return dough to a clean and lightly oiled bowl.

Cover with plastic film or enclose in a large plastic bag and leave to prove until dough has doubled in size.

Turn dough out onto board or bench and lightly knead.

To Make Doughnuts

Divide dough even sized portions and roll into balls (12 -16)

Push a wooden spoon through the middle of each doughnut and then gently stretch to form the ring.

Place doughnuts on a floured tray and leave to rise again

Using a doughnut cutter

Roll dough out to 1- 1.5 cm thickness and stamp out doughnuts. Re roll the centres and scraps and cut more doughnuts.

Place doughnuts on a floured tray and leave to rise again

To Cook Doughnuts

Heat oil in a deep saucepan or fryer until 180 deg C

Cook 3 -4 the doughnuts at a time until golden brown on each side. This will take approximately 2 mins or a little longer.

Drain on paper towel and then roll in sugar or cinnamon and sugar mixture