Doughnuts
4 1/2 tsp yeast
2 cups warm milk
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
7-8 cups flour
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast and milk until the yeast is well dissolved. Add the sugar, salt, oil, and eggs; stir until well combined. Add the flour one cup at a time until a sticky dough is formed. The dough is very sticky and it's easiest to use a big silicone spatula to work with it.
Place the dough into a well greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled. Punch down dough and allow to rise again until doubled.
Roll the dough out onto a well floured board. Incorporate just enough flour to the dough to make it manageable. If it gets too elastic, just cover with a damp towel and allow it to rest for 5 mins or so.
Cut with doughnut cutter (I use a reg size mason jar ring and a tiny cookie cutter)....or you can cut it into strips and braid the strips. Place them on a lightly floured baking sheet and allow them to rise for a few minutes (this is the step that makes them light and fluffy).
Deep fry at 375ยบ for about 3 mins per side (until golden brown) then dunk into the glaze before placing them on a parchment paper.
Glaze
1/2 cup boiling water
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Add the sugar to the boiling water and stir until combined. Use tongs to roll the doughnuts in the hot glaze, then sit on a sheet of parchment to cool.
