Michelle's Maple Donuts

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 cup very warm (105 degree) water
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon white sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon mace (optional; I left it out)
2 teaspoons table salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4-4 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup shortening
3 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Peanut oil for frying

Maple Icing

1 lb. powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon maple extract
1/3 cup (plus more if needed) hot water

Directions:

Combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 cup very warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow it to proof for 5-10 minutes or until frothy.

While the yeast is proofing, combine the sugar, mace (if using), salt, and 4 cups of flour in a large bowl. When the yeast is ready, add the shortening, egg yolks, and vanilla and mix with the paddle attachment for 1 minute to break down the shortening. Add 1/3 of dry ingredients and mix on low until blended. Repeat with the next 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Switch to the hook attachment and add the remaining 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix until no white spots remain and then turn the mixer to medium speed and knead for 2 minutes.

While the dough is kneading, bring a large pot of water to a boil (a little more than 2 quarts of water). Lightly flour a baking sheet.

When the dough is done kneading, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Form a 6×6″ square and cover it with a clean cloth. Place the pan in the oven and place a 9×13″ pan on the rack beneath the baking sheet. Pour the boiling water into the 9×13″ pan and close the door to the oven. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

When the dough is done rising, remove it from the oven and place it on a lightly floured surface. Bring another pot of water to a boil. Roll the dough into an 11×12″ rectangle. Use a pizza cutter to trim 1/2″ off all the edges of the dough. Cut the dough into 12 rectangles about 5×2″ big. Use a flexible scraper to carefully transfer the dough rectangles back to a floured baking sheet, spaced about 1 1/2″ apart. Place the baking sheet uncovered back into the oven and pour the boiling water back into the 9×13″ dish. Rise for 30-45 minutes (or more), until the dough is doubled.

When the dough is almost done rising, heat 2+ inches of peanut oil in a large, high-sided pot with a candy thermometer attached to it. Heat it to 350 degrees. When the oil is hot enough, in batches of 2-3, use the rubber scraper to carefully transfer the rectangles to the hot oil and fry for 30-40 seconds and then flip and cook for another 20 seconds or until golden brown. Remove from the hot oil, allow to drain on paper towels, and repeat with the remaining dough.

While the dough is cooling, whisk together the icing ingredients. Dip the dome-iest side of the bars into the icing and spread it out if necessary. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes (at least) before serving. Makes 12 doughnuts.