Doughnuts. Mrs. J. S. Reed. Recipe

Doughnuts have been a beloved treat for centuries. They are thought to have originated in Europe, with variations of the recipe appearing in many different cultures. The American doughnut, as we know it today, is a sweet, deep-fried treat with a round shape and a hole in the center.

One famous recipe for doughnuts comes from Mrs. J. S. Reed and has been delighting generations of doughnut lovers. Let's dive into her recipe and discover the secrets behind these delectable treats.

To make Mrs. J. S. Reed's doughnuts, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- All-purpose flour (amount may vary)

To begin, beat the eggs and sugar together until they are well combined. This step is crucial to create a light and fluffy texture in the doughnuts. The eggs provide structure and help to bind the other ingredients.

Next, add the sweet milk to the beaten eggs and sugar. The milk adds moisture and richness to the dough.

In a separate bowl, sift the baking powder with the all-purpose flour. The amount of flour required may vary depending on the consistency of the batter. The goal is to achieve a soft and pliable dough that is not too stiff.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in tough doughnuts. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.

Once the dough has come together, it's time to fry the doughnuts. Fill a large, deep saucepan with cooking oil to a depth of about two inches. Heat the oil to a temperature of 375°F (190°C), or until it is hot enough to brown a small piece of dough quickly.

Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil, shaping them into round doughnut shapes as they cook. Fry the doughnuts until they are golden brown on both sides, using a slotted spoon to turn them over. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Be mindful of the temperature of the oil to avoid burning the doughnuts.

Once the doughnuts are cooked, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool. The wire rack allows any excess oil to drain away, resulting in a lighter and less greasy doughnut.

Doughnuts are traditionally enjoyed while still warm, but they can also be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container for up to a day. Just before serving, you can dust them with powdered sugar or glaze them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a few tablespoons of milk.

Now that you know how to make Mrs. J. S. Reed's classic doughnuts, here are some fun facts about this delightful treat. Did you know that National Doughnut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June? It was established in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army "Doughnut Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

Doughnuts come in many variations around the world. In America, the traditional doughnut has a hole in the center, but in other countries like Germany, doughnuts are often filled with jam or cream. In Poland, you will find a doughnut called "paczki" that is traditionally enjoyed on Fat Thursday.

If you enjoy making and eating doughnuts, you may also want to try your hand at similar tasty treats like beignets, fritters, or churros. Beignets are a popular French pastry, while fritters are made with fruit or other fillings mixed into the dough. Churros, a classic Spanish dessert, are deep-fried pastries coated in cinnamon sugar and often served with chocolate sauce for dipping.

Now that you have the recipe for Mrs. J. S. Reed's mouthwatering doughnuts, you can enjoy a homemade treat that has stood the test of time. So gather your ingredients, get frying, and indulge in the joy of freshly made doughnuts.