Step 1: Whisk together the yeast, water and sugar, salt, oil, egg yolks, egg, vanilla and lemon extract.
Step 2: Blend well and stir in most of the flour to form a soft dough.
Step 3: Knead by hand, machine or in bread machine (dough setting), adding flour as needed.
Step 4: The dough should have some body, not too slack, supple, smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place in a greased plastic bag and refrigerate at least 2 to 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: If you are in a hurry, allow dough to rest at least 20 minutes, then proceed.
Step 7: If dough has risen at all, punch or flatten down, then pinch off pieces and form into small balls, about the size of golf balls.
Step 8: Otherwise, roll dough out to about three-quarters of an inch.
Step 9: Using a two and half inch or three inch biscuit cutter, cut out rounds.
Step 10: Cover and let sit 15 minutes while heating oil.
Step 11: In a deep fryer, or heavy dutch oven, heat about four inches of oil or a combination of oil and melted shortening.
Step 12: Add the doughnuts to the hot oil (temperature should be about 375 F.) and fry until the undersides are deep brown.
Step 13: Turn over once and finish frying the other side.
Step 14: Lift doughnuts out using a slotted spoon and drain well on paper towels.
Step 15: To fill, make a small opening and spoon in jam or jelly, or just sprinkle lightly with regular or extra fine granulated sugar by shaking doughnuts in a paper bag.
Step 16: Test oil temperature: It's a good idea to try frying one doughnut to start with.
Step 17: Once the doughnut seems done, take it out and cut it open to see if the inside is cooked.
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