Assorted donuts

Assorted donuts: a delight that brings smiles

Donuts are one of those treats that make us feel at home. Whether you remember the days spent in childhood when their inviting aroma filled the house, or the moments of indulgence with loved ones, these assorted donuts are a perfect choice for any occasion. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in making fluffy and delicious donuts that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 donuts

Ingredients:
- 500 ml milk (warmed, but not boiling)
- 1 small jar of natural yogurt or buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cube (25 g) of fresh yeast
- 1/2 pack of butter (about 100 g, melted)
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (about 1.5 kg, but add gradually)
- Zest of 1 lemon (finely grated)

Making the donuts:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it. Fresh yeast is ideal, but you can also use dry yeast. If you choose this option, use 7 g of dry yeast.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the cube of yeast in a few tablespoons of warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You will notice bubbles forming – this is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

3. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk. Add the yogurt, melted butter, and lemon zest, mixing well. Then, add the remaining warm milk and the activated yeast. Combine these liquid ingredients to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Forming the dough: In another bowl, place the flour and add a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the liquid mixture. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands, gradually incorporating the flour into the liquid. Continue adding flour until you obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands. If necessary, you can add more flour, but be careful not to make it too stiff.

5. Kneading the dough: On a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for getting fluffy donuts.

6. Letting it rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

7. Shaping the donuts: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 1-2 cm. You can use various sized cutters to cut the donuts, but a simple glass will work perfectly.

8. Frying the donuts: In a deep pan, heat the oil until it reaches 180°C. You can check the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil – if it rises to the surface and bubbles, the oil is ready. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

9. Decorating and serving: Once they have cooled slightly, you can decorate them as you wish. You can sprinkle powdered sugar, dip them in melted chocolate, or fill them with fruit jam. Donuts are delicious and simple, but you can personalize them according to your preferences.

Practical tips:
- You can add flavors like vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough for extra taste.
- If you want to make them healthier, you can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Donuts can be served warm or at room temperature, but they are best right after frying.
- These donuts pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea, making them ideal for a family snack.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade donuts can be a healthier choice than store-bought ones, as you can control the ingredients and quantities. Eggs and yogurt add protein and calcium, while lemon zest provides a boost of vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I keep the donuts fresh?
Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I add fillings to the donuts?
Of course! Before frying, you can add jam, chocolate, or cream cheese in the middle of each donut.

4. Can the recipe be modified to make savory donuts?
Absolutely! You can omit the sugar and add cheese, olives, or herbs to create a delicious appetizer.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work! Your assorted donuts will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. Try to put your personal touch on each recipe, and every bite will be a true feast. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 ml milk, 1 small jar of natural yogurt or buttermilk, 2 eggs, 1 cube of fresh yeast, 1/2 pack of butter, a pinch of salt, flour as needed (I used about 1.5 kg), lemon zest.