First-Prize Doughnuts

First-Prize Doughnuts are a beloved recipe that has won numerous ribbons at county fairs, as proudly shared by Betty Claycomb from Alverton, Pennsylvania. Betty has been making these delicious doughnuts for a long time, starting from her early years as a bride. This recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite. These prizewinning doughnuts are sure to delight your taste buds and bring back nostalgic memories of county fair treats.

The doughnut dough is made with yeast, warm water, warm milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt, and all-purpose flour. The dough is then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in golden brown doughnuts with a soft and fluffy texture. The toppings for these doughnuts are simple yet delightful, with a glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and water. They can be decorated with colorful sprinkles and various breakfast cereals for added visual appeal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 packages (¼ ounce each) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• ½ cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• Toppings:
  • 1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons water
  • Colored sprinkles and/or assorted breakfast cereals

PREPARATIONS:

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth.
2. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Punch the dough down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll out to a ½-inch thickness and cut with a floured 2½-inch doughnut cutter.
6. Place the doughnuts on greased baking sheets, cover, and let them rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. Heat oil in an electric skillet or deep fryer to 375°.
8. Fry the doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
9. In a shallow bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth. Dip the warm doughnuts in the glaze and decorate with sprinkles and/or cereals.

YIELD:

• 20 doughnuts

COOKING TIME:

• Prep: 25 minutes + rising
• Cook: 5 minutes per batch

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ensure that the water and milk are at the correct temperature for activating the yeast.
• Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size for a light and airy texture.
• Be careful when frying the doughnuts to maintain the oil temperature at 375° for even cooking.
• Dip the doughnuts in the glaze while they are still warm for better adherence.
• Have fun decorating the doughnuts with colorful sprinkles and breakfast cereals.

First-Prize Doughnuts are a cherished recipe that has earned multiple ribbons at county fairs, courtesy of Betty Claycomb from Alverton, Pennsylvania. With a history dating back to Betty’s early years as a bride, these doughnuts have delighted many generations. The yeast-based dough results in soft and fluffy doughnuts that are deep-fried to a golden brown perfection.

Preparing the dough is a straightforward process, involving the mixing of yeast, warm water, warm milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt, and all-purpose flour. After rising, the dough is rolled out, cut into classic doughnut shapes, and allowed to rise once again. The doughnuts are then deep-fried until they achieve a beautiful golden color.

To elevate the flavor and appearance of these doughnuts, a simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and water is applied while the doughnuts are still warm. This glaze creates a sweet and smooth coating, which can be further enhanced with colorful sprinkles and assorted breakfast cereals for a fun and delightful touch.

Whether you’re enjoying these doughnuts for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, they are sure to bring a smile to your face. The combination of the fluffy dough and the sweet glaze creates a heavenly taste that is hard to resist. Plus, the option to personalize the toppings allows for creativity and a personal touch.

So, roll up your sleeves and embark on the delightful journey of making First-Prize Doughnuts. Follow Betty Claycomb’s recipe, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of delicious homemade doughnuts that are worthy of a first-place prize. Whether you’re reminiscing about county fairs or creating new memories with your loved ones, these doughnuts are a timeless treat that will always satisfy.