Many years ago our family started a tradition of making Donuts every year when we had the first snow fall. I had no idea how special this tradition was to my kiddos until my youngest daughter Laura called me one day from college. She was up in Grand Forks at the time and asked, “Do you have snow in Fargo? We do here. If it’s snowing can I bring my Boyfriend home with me?” I said, “Of course you can bring him home with you – snowing or not”. To which she replied, “But if it’s snowing your going to make Donuts, and I want him to be able to have our Snow Day Donuts”. We did have a few flakes in the air, and I did make donuts that day.
They never stayed a First Snow Day only treat. One year when our youngest son was in his teens he decided that for his birthday he would invite Buddies over to play video games. When I asked him what he needed from me for his party, he said, “DONUTS – start making them and just keep them coming”.
With all the kiddos out of the nest, I no longer make them for every first snow, but they still show up every once in a while. I think you’ll enjoy them as much as we do.
The Best Cake Donuts
3 1/3 cups Flour
1 cup Sugar
1 T Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
2 T Shortening
2 Eggs
3/4 cup Milk
Peanut Oil
In a large mixing bowl, using a pastry cutter – cut shortening into 1 1/2 cup flour. Add all other ingredients, except remaining flour. Using a stand mixer, blend for 30 second on low, then for 2 minutes on a medium speed. Stir in remaining flour until well blended. Roll out dough on a well floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into donut shapes. (I currently have a donut cutter – but back when the kiddos were little I used a canning jar ring and a lid from one of my extract bottles for the donut hole.)
Heat peanut oil to 350 degrees (I check the temp with a meat thermometer) and carefully slide in a few donuts at a time. (I do not have a deep fat fryer – I have always used my Wok because I like the slopping sides. But any heavy pan with taller sides will do.) Fry for approximately 1 minute on each side. Remove from oil and place on paper towel to drain.
Makes appropriate 2 dozen donuts.
