Doughnuts. Mrs. A. C. Ault. Recipe

Doughnuts have a rich history that spans across various cultures and time periods. These delicious fried treats have evolved over centuries to become a beloved snack enjoyed by people all around the world. The origins of the doughnut can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, who cooked a similar type of dough in hot oil.

However, the modern doughnut we know today, with its round shape and hole in the center, is said to have been brought to America by Dutch settlers in the 19th century. It is believed that they were inspired by a Dutch pastry called "oliebollen," which translates to "oil balls" and was traditionally made by frying dough in hot oil until golden brown.

Over time, the recipe for doughnuts has evolved and adapted to the preferences and tastes of different cultures. Today, there are countless variations of doughnuts available, ranging from the classic glazed doughnuts to ones filled with various flavors like jam, chocolate, or custard.

One such recipe is Mrs. A. C. Ault's doughnut recipe, which yields delicious homemade doughnuts that are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe is a classic that will surely delight your taste buds. So, let's dive into making these delightful treats!

Ingredients:
- 2 quarts flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sweet milk
- Butter (size of a small egg)
- 4 eggs
- 5 heaping teaspoonfuls baking powder
- Nutmeg (for flavor)

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well incorporated.

2. Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined. Gradually pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Sprinkle nutmeg over the dough to add a delightful flavor. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.

5. Once the dough is well mixed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can use a rolling pin for this. Then, use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out the doughnuts. If you don't have a cutter, you can simply use a glass to cut out individual circles and use a smaller round object or a bottle cap to cut out the centers.

7. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to a temperature of around 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them until golden brown on each side. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.

8. Once the doughnuts are fried, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.

9. Optional: You can glaze the doughnuts by dipping them in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with a little milk and vanilla extract. Alternatively, you can dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

These homemade doughnuts are best enjoyed while still warm. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

Fun facts about doughnuts:
- The first doughnut machine was invented in New York City in 1920 by Adolph Levitt, a Russian immigrant.
- National Doughnut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June each year. It was established in 1938 to honor the “doughnut lassies” who served the treats to soldiers during World War I.
- The Guinness World Record for the largest box of doughnuts weighs over 5,000 pounds and was set in 2019 in Manila, Philippines.
- Krispy Kreme, one of the most famous doughnut chains in the world, was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Similar recipe dishes:
If you're looking to explore more delicious fried treats, there are several similar recipe dishes that you might enjoy:

1. Churros: These Spanish delights have a similar dough consistency to doughnuts but are usually piped in long, star-shaped strands and served with a sprinkle of sugar or dipped in chocolate.

2. Beignets: Originating from New Orleans, beignets are pillowy pastries made from deep-fried dough, often served with powdered sugar on top. They are a popular breakfast or dessert item in the city.

3. Loukoumades: Greek loukoumades are small, deep-fried dough balls that are traditionally drizzled with honey syrup and topped with cinnamon. These bite-sized treats are incredibly addictive.

4. Funnel Cakes: Often found at fairs and carnivals, funnel cakes are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a lacy, crispy dessert that is dusted with powdered sugar.

All of these treats share the same comforting and indulgent qualities as doughnuts, making them a delightful addition to your recipe collection.

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