Donut Day!

I was blessed with an early start to the day AND a cool morning in the climate department so I decided to surprise the family with donuts. People seem to think this is a difficult task. It is surprising how fast you can whip up a batch of them. Sharing my recipe!

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter
2 beaten eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Donut cutter*

Heavy-bottomed cooking pot for the oil and enough oil to fry the donuts. If you have a deep fryer, even better!

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and gently mix with a spoon until combined. It should be just combined. Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface. Roll out dough (you might have to do this in two or three installments.) to under 1/2 inch thick. Cut out donuts and holes and set out on waxed paper.

When the oil is hot (about 375 degrees in a fryer), put in enough donuts to cook without crowding. It takes about a minute on each side. Remove to a baking tray covered with several layers of paper towels to drain. Repeat until you are finished.

Combine a cup of granulated sugar with a generous tablespoon of cinnamon. Roll the donuts and arrange on trays, plates, whatever suits your purposes. They won't last long once the family smells them, anyway!

*If you can't find a donut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter and a thimble or pill bottle cap to cut the hole.