Maple Glazed Donuts ~Submitted by Laurie~ Yield: 1 - 2 dozen 2 envelopes (1/2 ounce or 4 1/2 tsp) active dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water (105-115*) 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (scalded then cooled) 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional) 2 eggs 1/3 cup shortening 5 cups all-purpose or unbleached flour vegetable oil Maple glaze (recipe below) Dissolve yeast in warm water in large mixer bowl. Add milk, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, eggs, shortening and two cups of the flour. Beat on low speed, scraping the bowl constantly, 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed, scraping occasionally, after 2 minutes stir in remaining flour; continue stirring until smooth, scraping sides of bowl. Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled, 50-60 min. Turn dough onto well floured cloth covered board; roll around lightly to coat with flour. Roll gently to 1/2" thick with floured rolling pin. Cut into 2 1/2" donuts with floured donut cutter. Cover; let rise on board till double, about 20 min. Heat oil (3-4") in deep-fryer or kettle to 350 degrees F. Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatulas. Turn doughnuts as they rise to surface. Fry until golden brown, 1 to 1-1/2 minutes each side. Carefully remove from oil. Drain on paper towels. While warm, roll doughnuts in sugar or spread with Maple glaze. Maple Glaze: 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, up to 1/3 cup In a bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Gradually whisk in enough maple syrup to make a smooth, thick glaze. When the doughnuts are completely cool, set them, fluted-side up, in a wire rack over wax paper. Spoon some glaze over each doughnut, letting it drip down the sides.