Recipe: Buttermilk doughnuts

Buttermilk doughnuts

Total time: 1 hour

Servings: Makes about 1 1/2 dozen donuts

4 1/4 cups (18 ounces) flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

Pinch grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup buttermilk

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, grated nutmeg and cinnamon.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together the eggs and egg yolk with the sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.

3. In a large measuring cup, stir together the buttermilk and butter.

4. Alternately beat the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture into the egg mixture, one-third at a time, until all of the ingredients are combined and a dough is formed. It will be soft and sticky.

5. With floured hands, remove the dough to a floured board and gently roll out until the dough is one-half inch thick. Using a doughnut cutter, or 2 biscuit cutters (a larger one measuring 3 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter, and a smaller one measuring about 1 inch in diameter), cut the dough into doughnuts, spacing the doughnuts as close as possible. Collect the scraps and roll out to form another batch of doughnuts (note that this batch may be a little tougher than the first as the dough has been worked).

6. Meanwhile, fill a deep fryer with oil, or a large pot to a depth of at least 3 inches, with oil, and heat to a temperature of 350 degrees.

7. Gently place the doughnuts in the oil, being careful not to crowd. Fry the doughnuts on each side until puffed and golden, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side.

8. Drain the donuts on a rack and cool slightly, then frost and decorate as desired.

Each doughnut: 291 calories; 4 grams protein; 31 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 17 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 41 mg. cholesterol; 9 grams sugar; 237 mg. sodium.