Apple Cider Doughnuts

My day started off with excitement at the possibility of finally aquiring a furry friend. I've been wanted a dog forever. I talk about it all the time and about every 6 months decide I'm really going to get one...Then, like today, the voice of reason (better known as the bf) steps in and reminds me of all the work it will take and how I have a job career that takes me away from the house at a minimum of 11 hours per day.


image and puppies available at Carm's Kennel

Oh what's a dog lovin girl to do. Pay $18 per day for doggie day care...not sure I love her that much, or make her hold her pee for 11 hours every singe day of her life. Doesn't sound like a good situation. So again today, I sounded all of the alarms (called my mom, and the breeder) and then once again realized that it just doesn't make sense. So, I made doughnuts instead.



Apple Cider Doughnuts
...or Donuts ( but I think doughnuts feels more...homemade)

This recipe is all over the blogosphere and a simple google search will give you quite a few options for doughnuts very similiar to these. They all looked about the same.

Recipe adapted barely from here or here

1 cup apple cider
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons unsalted butter at room temperature
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Vegetable oil or shortening for frying

Glaze:
2 T Apple cider
1 cup confectioners sugar

Boil the apple cider in small saucepan until it is reduced to 1/4 cup (15-20 minutes).

While the apple cider is reducing combine flour, baking soda, baking power, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a large bowl, or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the sugar with the butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the buttermilk and reduced apple cider until just incorporated. with the mixer still on low, add the flour mixture until dough just comes together.

Turn the dough out onto a generously floured, parchment lined cookie sheet (or the largest flat object you have that will fit in the freezer...I used a cutting board.) Using your hands, pat the dough into a flat sheet about 1/2 inch thick. Place in freezer to firm up for about 20 minutes.

Heat enough oil or shortening to fill the pan up about 3 inches. Insert a candy thermometer and heat until the oil reaches 350˚F (do not overheat oil)

Prepare glaze while oil is heating. Combine 1 cup confectioners sugar with 2 tablespoons of apple cider. Wisk until combined and smooth.

Remove dough from freezer and cut out doughnuts using a 3 inch round. Cut out the center with a 1 inch round.



Place a couple of doughnuts in the oil at a time and cook until golden brown on each side (60 seconds on first side, 30 seconds on second).



Remove and place on paper towel lined cookie sheet. let cool for 1 minute then dip top of doughnut in glaze.

Serve immediately or let cool, store in an air tight container and warm before serving.

Recipe yields 18 doughnuts