Assorted donuts

Assorted Doughnuts – an irresistible delight that combines tradition with the joy of sweet flavors. These little golden wonders, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, are perfect for enjoying at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. In this detailed recipe, I will guide you step by step to create delicious doughnuts that will delight everyone's taste buds.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 20-25 doughnuts

Ingredients:
- 500 ml milk
- 1 small jar of natural yogurt or buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- ½ pack of butter (approximately 125 g)
- a pinch of salt
- flour as needed (approximately 1.5 kg)
- grated zest of one lemon

A Brief History:
Doughnuts have a long history, being a beloved dessert around the world. Their origins are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures, each having its unique version. Doughnuts are often associated with moments of celebration and joy, being made on various family occasions. This recipe will allow you to bring a touch of tradition into your kitchen, giving you the opportunity to experiment and add your personal touch.

Step by Step for Perfect Doughnuts:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by placing 1 kg of flour in a large bowl. Use a larger bowl to have enough space for the dough to rise. Make a well in the center of the flour where the wet ingredients will be added.

2. Activating the Yeast:
In a cup or small bowl, warm 100 ml of milk. Do not let it boil, just warm enough to activate the yeast. Add the cube of fresh yeast and gently mix to dissolve it. Let the yeast activate for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Preparing the Liquid Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the two eggs with a whisk or fork. Add the yogurt, melted butter (let it cool slightly), and the remaining milk (400 ml). Add the grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you obtain a smooth mixture.

4. Mixing the Ingredients:
Pour the liquid mixture into the well of the flour. Start gently mixing with a spatula or your hands, incorporating the flour into the liquid mixture. Continue adding flour gradually until you obtain a thicker but slightly sticky dough.

5. Kneading the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, add a little flour, but avoid overdoing it.

6. Rising the Dough:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it doubles in size. This step is essential for fluffy doughnuts.

7. Shaping the Doughnuts:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin to about 1 cm thick. Using a glass or cutter, cut the doughnuts into various shapes according to your imagination. You can make circles, stars, or even more elaborate shapes.

8. Frying the Doughnuts:
In a deep pot, heat enough oil to cover the doughnuts. The oil should be well heated but not smoking (approximately 180-190 °C). Wondering how to know if the oil is ready? A simple method is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it starts to dance immediately, you are ready. Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown on both sides. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

9. Decorating the Doughnuts:
This is the fun part! You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar, glaze them with chocolate, or fill them with jam, chocolate cream, or vanilla. Be creative and experiment with various toppings and fillings!

Useful Tips:
- Choose ingredients carefully: Use fresh milk and quality yogurt for the best results.
- Check the oil temperature: Too low a temperature will cause the doughnuts to absorb more oil, while too high a temperature will burn them.
- Vary the flavors: Try adding different flavors to the dough, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to give the doughnuts an even more refined taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I substitute fresh yeast with dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and mix it with the flour before adding the liquids.

- How can I store the doughnuts?
Doughnuts are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed for 2-3 days, but are most delicious on the first day.

- What can I serve with the doughnuts?
These doughnuts are excellent alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served as a dessert with ice cream or fresh fruit.

Conclusion:
Assorted doughnuts are a perfect choice for any occasion, from parties to family breakfasts. This simple and versatile recipe will help you create a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't forget to personalize your doughnuts with your favorite flavors and toppings! Experiment and have fun in the kitchen, and the result will surely please everyone. Enjoy!

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