Doughnuts. Maud Stoltz. Recipe

The history of doughnuts can be traced back to the early 19th century when Dutch immigrants brought their traditional recipes for olykoeks, or oily cakes, to North America. These early versions were essentially balls of dough that were deep-fried until golden brown and then rolled in sugar. Over time, the recipe evolved and gained popularity, becoming a beloved treat worldwide. Today, doughnuts come in a variety of flavors, shapes, and sizes, captivating the taste buds of people of all ages.

One person who played a significant role in popularizing doughnuts in America was an American teacher named Adolph Levitt. In the late 1920s, Levitt invented the first automated doughnut-making machine, revolutionizing the way doughnuts were produced. This invention made it possible for doughnuts to be mass-produced, leading to their widespread availability and affordability.

Now, let's delve into a delicious recipe for doughnuts by Maud Stoltz, a renowned baker who has perfected the art of creating these delightful treats.

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted lard
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soda
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Additional sugar or glaze for coating

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, melted lard, milk, and soda. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously to form a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk.

3. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Avoid over-kneading, as this can result in tough doughnuts.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

5. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.

6. Using a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter, cut out doughnut shapes from the dough. If you don't have a cutter, you can also use a glass to make the outer circle and a smaller round object, like a bottle cap, for the inner hole.

7. Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a kitchen towel. Allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes to an hour until they have puffed up slightly.

8. While the doughnuts are rising, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to ensure the doughnuts are completely submerged when frying.

9. Carefully drop a few doughnuts into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them over.

10. Once the doughnuts are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before coating them with your desired toppings.

11. For a simple yet classic coating, toss the warm doughnuts in granulated sugar while they are still slightly oily. Alternatively, you can prepare a glaze by mixing powdered sugar, a small amount of milk, and vanilla extract. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze and let them sit on a wire rack until the glaze sets.

Now, sit back and enjoy these homemade doughnuts by Maud Stoltz. Fun fact: Did you know that doughnuts have been celebrated in the United States on National Doughnut Day since 1938? This day was established by The Salvation Army to honor the volunteers who provided doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

If you're looking to explore similar delicious treats, you might consider experimenting with other fried dough recipes like beignets (a French doughnut) or churros (a Spanish treat). Both of these treats have their unique flavors and methods of preparation, making them delightful additions to any dessert menu.