Doughnuts. Mrs. T. H. Linsley. Recipe

History of Doughnuts:

Doughnuts, also known as donuts, have a long and delicious history dating back to ancient times. The exact origin of doughnuts is still debated, but they can be traced back to various cultures throughout history. One theory suggests that doughnuts were first made by ancient Egyptians who fried pieces of dough and sweetened them with honey. Another theory is that Dutch settlers brought their recipe for oliebollen, a deep-fried dough, to America, which eventually led to the creation of the modern-day doughnut.

Regardless of their origin, doughnuts have become a beloved treat worldwide. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, from the classic glazed doughnut to filled or topped versions with various sweet fillings and glazes. One of the oldest styles of doughnuts is the simple and traditional homemade doughnut, like the one we are going to make today – Mrs. T. H. Linsley's Doughnuts.

Fun Facts about Doughnuts:

- National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June in the United States. It was created by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the "doughnut lassies" who served the sweet treats to soldiers during World War I.
- The world's largest doughnut weighed 1.7 tons and had a diameter of 16.46 feet. It was made in Utica, New York, in 1993.
- The hole in the center of the doughnut has a practical purpose. It allows the dough to cook evenly and prevents the center from remaining raw.

Now, let's move on to the recipe for Mrs. T. H. Linsley's Doughnuts!

Mrs. T. H. Linsley's Doughnuts Recipe:

Ingredients:
- Yolks of four eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of sweet milk
- A little nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- Flour (as needed for soft dough)
- Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the yolks of four eggs and one cup of sugar. Mix them together until well combined.
2. Add one cup of sweet milk to the egg and sugar mixture. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Sprinkle in a little bit of nutmeg for flavor. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the doughnut batter.
4. Sift in two teaspoons of baking powder to ensure the doughnuts rise properly. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth.
5. Gradually add flour, a little at a time, until you achieve a soft dough consistency. The amount of flour needed may vary, depending on the humidity and other factors.
6. Once the dough is soft and pliable, dust a clean surface and roll it out to a thickness of around 1/4 inch.
7. Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out shapes in the dough. If you don't have a cutter, you can use a glass with a smaller diameter for the center and a larger one for the outer shape.
8. Transfer the doughnut shapes onto a baking sheet or a tray lined with parchment paper.
9. In a deep pot or a fryer, heat cooking oil to a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the doughnuts completely while frying.
10. Gently place a few doughnuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
11. Fry the doughnuts until they turn golden brown on one side, then carefully flip them over and continue frying until both sides are evenly cooked.
12. Remove the fried doughnuts from the pot and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
13. Repeat the frying process with the remaining doughnut shapes until all the dough is used.
14. Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them plain or coat them with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or your favorite glaze.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoyed making and eating Mrs. T. H. Linsley's Doughnuts, you might also like to try these similar recipe dishes:

1. Glazed Doughnuts: Dip the fried doughnuts into a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Filled Doughnuts: Use a piping bag or a syringe to inject your favorite filling, such as jelly, custard, or chocolate, into the doughnut after frying.
3. Apple Fritters: This delicious variation incorporates chopped apples into the dough and is also deep-fried for a delightful treat.
4. Beignets: Hailing from New Orleans, beignets are square pieces of dough deep-fried until fluffy and coated generously with powdered sugar.
5. Churros: These Spanish treats are made by piping dough into long, ridged shapes and then frying them until golden and crispy. Sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar and serve with a chocolate dipping sauce.

Remember, making doughnuts is a delightful experience that allows for creativity and customization. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, filled, or with your favorite toppings, doughnuts are a beloved treat for all to enjoy!