American Donuts

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 cup of concentrated milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups of premium flour, plus a little extra for rolling out the dough
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground mace
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Preparation:

1. Melt the margarine in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it cool slightly, but make sure it's still liquid.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the sugar and melted margarine at medium speed. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract and continue beating for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, mace and salt.
4. Reduce mixer speed to low, add flour, and mix until the dough is soft and crumbly. Transfer the dough to plastic wrap and wrap it tightly (remember to scrape off any excess from the paddles). Refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the cold dough to a thickness of 1.5 cm. Using a donut cutter, cut the dough into donuts. Arrange the donuts and their cores on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Fill a tall, heavy-bottomed saucepan one-third full with fat. Heat over medium heat until a thermometer reads 190°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
   
   Fry the donuts and center centers in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the finished donuts to paper towels to drain off excess fat and let cool. Fry all batches in this manner. Before adding each new batch, ensure the fat has returned to 190°C.
7. Roll the donuts in sugar or cinnamon sugar while they're still warm. If using powdered sugar, let them cool completely before dusting.
   
   For sprinkling donuts: 1 cup granulated sugar, or 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, or 1 cup sifted powdered sugar.
   
   Recipe chocolate-glazed donuts and a sprinkle of almonds and coffee.