Monday, October 27, 2008

Buttermilk Donuts with Maple Glaze


An important distinction:Because I sew my two little charge's Halloween costumes, I feel I have left my readers with the mistaken notion that I am an accomplished seamstress. Nothing could be further from the truth. There's a reason why I almost only sew Halloween costumes. My costumes look unmistakably homemade. (Photographic evidence coming later this week.) There's a certain kitschy charm to a less than perfect looking costume, made by a frazzled mum too frugal for Disney store prices. For this reason I cannot sew clothing for every day useage. Those uneven hems and lopslided sleeves, so endearing on October 31st, look like something out of the Grapes or Wrath every other day of the year. And while I'm a not much better than mediocre seamstress, I confess to another talent: I am pretty good at making donuts.


No, that's not quite true. I really am quite good at making homemade donuts. I ought to be; I've been on a decade long quest to get it just right. I'm a firm believer that donuts should be a once-a-year, Halloween season kind of treat. (Now watch me eat my words with maple glaze on top.) This year, I invited my parents over for homemade donuts and wild hijinks, compliments the two charges. My mother, a notoriously particular and highly proficient cook, was smitten immediately. So the very next night, she got together with a neighbor and made my donut recipe, dropping off a batch of fresh hot donut holes at our house. And two nights later, my brother and his five charges and wife were passing through town and my mother convinced me to make them yet again! Oh, sweet deep-fried mama! So even though in word I recommend making them once a year around Halloween, please don't blame me if you end up making them three times in the next four days. Perhaps you will discover a hidden talent for donut making yourself. It's easier than sewing new clothes, ahem, which I might have to do if I don't stop making donuts soon.
Money Saving Tips: Homemade donuts are pretty inexpensive, especially if you only use an inch of oil, like I do. You can save the oil, strain it and reuse it for frying later-if you can stand to live so dangerously. Leftover mashed potatoes are handy here too. Donuts do not keep well, so drop off to the neighbors whatever you won't be eating.
Maple Glazed Buttermilk Donuts, adapted from my friend Kristen:
Estimated Cost: $4.00 for 1 dozen donuts and loads of donut holes
Notes: Follow the directions carefully for best results. Be extra careful not to add too much flour. Sticky dough makes for velvety donuts. This is one case that I use instant mashed potatoes for their smoothness and convenience. Maple extract makes the glaze extra special.
2 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup mashed potatoes (I use 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup instant mashed potato flakes or buds)
4 and 1/2 cups flour, DIVIDED
2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
pinch of nutmeg (two quick shakes)

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar and beat well. Add buttermilk butter, vanilla. Stir in mashed potaotes. Sprinkle exactly 3 and 1/2 cups flour, plus powder, soda, salt and nutmeg over the dough. Stir until just blended. The dough will be extremely sticky. Line a dinner plate with waxed paper. Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour on top of abouwaxed paper. Gather sticky dough up and press onto waxed paper; sprinkle the top with remaining 1/2 cup flour. If you need to patt atop a little more flour to be able to work with the dough, go ahead and sprinkle/pat it on top but DO NOT mix it in. ( You can refrigerate dough for a couple of hours at this point if you want, but not for too long or the dough will turn black from the potatoes.) Let the dough rest on the plate for five minutes. Meanwile, heat large heavy pot with 1 inch of oil until oil is about 375 degrees. Turn donuts out onto flat floured surface. Pat the dough into a square only slightly larger than the plate. The dough should be about 1/2 inch thick. (Do not knead in the flour that have you sprinkled on the donuts. It will cook away on the outside, promise.) Cut donuts with donut cutter, or use the top of a prescription pill bottle for donut holes. Holes are the best in my opinion. Fry donuts until pale golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Cool for five minutes before glazing.
Maple Glaze
Notes: This makes enough for half a batch of donuts, in case you want to make some powdered sugar donuts or plain sugar.
Combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons maple extract and about 4 tablespoons cream (or milk) until smooth.
Coming Tomorrow:
More Edible Evil
Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes

85 comments:

Beth (jamandcream) said...

Im sure no one was complaining you made them 3 times. Ive never tried making homemade donuts - will have to give this a try

Suzie said...

They look so scrumptious, you will be doing well not to keep making them after the 31st! Can't wait to see the costumes.

Marie Rayner said...

Those donuts look so scrumptious!!! Oh how I wish that there was more than just Todd and I to eat things like this!

Shelby said...

Yum, the maple topping just puts it over the top for me. Love them!

Coby said...

I have never been brave enough to try making my own doughnuts - closest I've gotten is doughnut flavoured muffins, but you give me hope Prudy:) That recipe sounds do-able and your finished product looks A - mazing! Well done you for being able to sew at all, my best sewing is very mediocre re-attachment of buttons.

Anonymous said...

Yum! I don't blame your mother. These look to good for just one meal.

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

No worries!! Sewing is still a great skill to have :0) And wowza, you truly ARE the queen of making donuts - I'll take a dozen of those, please!!

Kirsten said...

Those donuts look fantastic. I've never made homemade but I sure like to eat them! Glad you gave the tex mex chicken and beans a try! I'm making your slow cooker tacos tonight.

chocolatechic said...

Wow!

I love donuts.

gigi said...

What a crowd pleaser! My daddy use to make us donuts out of canned biscuits. They were fun. Now I know that these sound and taste so much better, yummy!

Nell said...

So,does the dough have to rest on that plate or can you immediately start cooking? And do you cut them out while on the plate or do you turn them out onto the counter? Do you knead in that flour when ready to cut them out?

Andrea at Nummy Kitchen said...

Oh wow, these look so delicious! I haven't made doughnuts of a long time (years I think) I might have to give these a try, you know how I love anything buttermilk :) Can't wait to see how you did your cupcakes tomorrow! I think it's so special that you made your kid's halloween costumes, I have no sewing ability so went the Disney Store route, maybe someday I'll go out on a limb and try to make them myself...just not this year.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

These would be hard to resist especially with the maple glaze:D

Prudy said...

Nell:
Great questions. I will go back and adjust my recipe to answer them. Don't knead in the flour. That will simply keep it from sticking while you cut out.

Mary Bergfeld said...

I love buttermilk donuts! These look so good.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

The maple topping on the donuts is a wonderful twist for the season. They look so delicious and I haven't had breakfast yet. Do you know what your pictures are doing to my tummy? I can't wait to see pictures of costumes!

Emily said...

My friend introduced me to your blog a few weeks ago, and I can't get enough. When my husband asks if I am checking it 'again?' I just tell him that I am religious about reading about all your yummy food. He thinks it is bordering on stalking! Just know that you have a new fan in St. Louis!

One question: For the maple glaze, is the last ingredient cream, or am I supposed to cream something together with the powdered sugar and maple extract? Thanks!

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

I have never made donuts but maybe I will try this great recipe.

Prudy said...

Emily:
Welcome! Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm so glad to have a fan from St. Louis. Thanks for keeping me on my toes too. I went back and fixed the wording to make it a little more clear! I want those donuts and glaze to be a sure fire hit for everyone else too!:)

Sara said...

I soooo am making these this week, and you can bet I will be making them a few times. I am craving maple right now. Thanks! Ever since your friday post said that maple glazed donuts were coming, I have been so ancxious to see them.

Marjie said...

My hubby loves yeast raised, maple glazed donuts. I've never tried them. I'm afraid of hot oil. Can I send him to your house? You can come to my house, and we'll whip you up a batch of denim skirts in exchange! I got the stuff for our costumes this weekend. It's probably time to start, right?

Jodie said...

Ooh! I've been thinking of making homemade donuts a fall tradition- maybe Halloween or decorating the Christmas tree. I made donuts once a few years ago- they were Martha's and they were GREASY! I'll have to try yours!

RecipeGirl said...

Maple glazed donuts have ALWAYS been my fave... since I was a wee one. I don't know why, but I'm afraid to make my own donuts. Must be the deep fried thing. I don't usually do deep fried things. That being said, I won't shy away from ordering them in restaurants! These look Yummmmy!

Prudy said...

Jodie:
Be sure to get your oil up to at least 365 degrees to avoid greasy donuts. You can use the Italian method to check the temperature: put a wooden spoon handle into the oil. If bubble rise up around the handle and go zooming to the top, then you know it's hot enough. You could always use a candy thermometer too, but the Italian way is more fun.:)

Mary Ann said...

My husband will love me even more once I make these donuts. He can eat a dozen without even thinking about it! I will probably end up making them a couple times in the next few days. They sound perfect for this time of year and look delish with the Halloween sprinkles! Spooky! oh, and you are cracking me up about your sewing skills. I am sure that the costumes are going to look great. I am not brave enough to even attempt such a feat!

Patsyk said...

Those donuts look amazing! I've never tried to make donuts myself... for fear I would end up eating every last one of them!

Audrey said...

Well, as critical life skills go, I think you're on the right track! I just wish I wasn't reading this while eating a boring bowl of cereal...

Cathy said...

Oh, sweet deep-fried mama is right! If a food every sounded worthy of the Fry Daddy, these do. I'm smitten just reading about them! Oh, and I'm sure that you'd put my "two-time flunk out of the Smocking Bird's Beginning Sewing Class" behind to shame in the sewing department, Prudy. Can't wait to see the costumes!

Maria said...

Josh has been begging to make donuts. I don't like them that much but maybe homemade ones will do the trick? Yours look wonderful!! I know he will love the maple glaze!!

Lucy..♥ said...

Ooooh those look so good!! Homemade are the best!

Catherine said...

We really do have a sweet deep fried Mama! Last time I was down she tricked me into making corndogs (the ones from your blog, of course). It was supposed to be her project but it went the way of so many of sweet deep fried Mama's projects, in that it became mine! Haha! Anyway I'm so glad you posted this recipe because Mom has been raving about it. I can't wait to try these on Halloween!

Pam said...

These look like pure heaven to me...I love maple glaze. Great recipe.

Rachael Hutchings said...

One of the things I've been craving with this current pregnancy is donuts. I'm definitely in trouble after reading this post!

Sandy said...

Hi Prudy - I've never made donuts!

Yummy YUM!

anudivya said...

Never made home-made donuts before. Got to try these... the thing is, can't seem to stop with one, or two, or even three for that matter... LOL

Chef Jeena said...

These are fabulous I love doughnuts and these would be a great treat! I love the glaze.

I bet you are just being modest about those costumes. :-)

Emily Rose said...

these look delicious- I have never made donuts- in fact I have never fried anything in my whole life! I have some type of irrational fear about frying things- I'm going to have to get over it though because my Tennessee in-laws make me feel like I'm committing spousal abuse for not frying up a little bit of everything!

Aggie said...

Oh, what I would do for a bite of one of these right now. My mouth is watering....mmmm...

Thanks for the kind comment on my blog, you always make my day Prudy! And yes, life is good, I have to remember not to take it for granted! :)

nicole said...

Homemade donuts are always good.

Unknown said...

great donuts you have there... hubby loved them... :)

Molly said...

I just found your comment on my blog and came over here to check you out. Imagine my surprise when I discovered we both posted about homemade mashed potato doughnuts today! A Halloween tradition lives on. I think we're soulmates!

Michal said...

my mom always used to make homemade donuts on halloween night. when we got home from trick or treating, there they were waiting for us. i can't wait to try this recipe.

Adrienne said...

As kids, my mom helped us do a homeade donut and hot chocolate business selling to the teenagers waiting for the morning school bus in the winter along the Wasatch Front. I think we only did it about five times, but we sure enjoyed the donuts. I'm looking forward to more edible evil!

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm coming over and you can't stop me.


It sounds like your donuts are like the cinnamon rolls I made--Ben keeps staring wistfully at the freezer, mewing and pleading for more to appear.

Anonymous said...

There is little in the world as tasty as a homemade dounghut! These look fantastic!

vanillasugarblog said...

It's very obvious that you are indeed very good at making homemade donuts.
I was so looking forward to coming back here for these donuts. And you've put one of my favorite glazes on.
This is pure enjoyment. You really outshined here.

Sharon said...

I had no idea that donuts would have potatoes in them. They look divine, especially with the maple glaze!

Lisa magicsprinkles said...

Your kids costumes and the Grapes of Wrath reference is too funny. I totally have the visual, but I am QUITE certain that this is an exaggeration. Your dounts look so wickedly good that I'm afraid I gained 5 pounds just by looking at the photos.

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I much prefer your talent of making donuts that the one of sweing! I don't mind eating those delicious donuts with scrumpfy clothes!

Ali said...

I'm drooling. Donuts are a huge downfall for me. I can't wait to try them!!

YUM!

Anonymous said...

Holy Goodness that is donuts. I don't even LIKE donuts... but oh.my.lanta!
~Cat

Esi said...

I am dying to make donuts, but have been a little intimidated by them. You make it look easy though! Can't wait to see your kids' costumes.

La Bella Cooks said...

I think it is absolutely sweet that you make the little ones costumes. Seamstress or not, it is the love and heart that goes into it and I bet they love them as much as if you bought one. Kudos to you, as my sewing machine hates me so I stay away due to fear!
My kids have been begging me to make donuts and the maple is my favorite, so I need to give these a try soon. They look divine!

Rindy R said...

ok Prudy - you had me at Buttermilk! I have the fondest memories of my parents having doughnut parties. They would invite several of their friends with their children over and we would fry and decorate donuts all night! I have funnel cake parties with our friends - but this recipe might inspire me to have a doughnut party this fall! Thanks - they look delicious!
Can't wait to see the cute costumes!

Liz said...

Ohhh this is bad. I was just thinking about the nearly-full container of buttermilk in my fridge that I have to use up somehow. And the hubs loves maple bars. I'm afraid I may have to succumb!

P.S. The dish in the last picture is adorable!

Natalie Que said...

Be still my HEART! They look amazing. I want one so bad it hurts. Donuts are a weakness of mine. In fact, I think I am going downstairs right now to my freezer to my secret stash of Krispy Kremes. It will be a poor substitute. Now look what you've done!

Tracy said...

I've made my kids' Halloween costumes a number of times, and like you, I'm not a terrific seamstress. But I'm not convinced it's an economical choice. A lot of times I feel like a store-bought costume would be cheaper. Your donuts look yummy!

Laura said...

As a young girl my church leader taught me how to make maple bars. I was trying to find the recipe last week and could not located it. Maybe this will be able to replace that recipe. I am gonna have to make this soon.

Anna M. said...

I agree...donuts are a perfect Halloween treat...your's look delicious! How lucky that you got them 3 times! Looking forward to seeing the costumes! =)

Unknown said...

OK, I am new to your blog and can't get enough!! Spicy tacos and then yummy maple donuts - I'm in heaven! No matter how 'perfect' your costumes are, I can't imagine anyone being anything but amazed at the time and effort you put into them! I can't wait to see what you post next... FANTASTIC BLOG!!

Anonymous said...

I love that you use potato flakes and only an inch of oil! We are sparing around here with the oil for frying and on some things (not meat items) we reuse it (I won't tell you how infrequently they chnaged it at McDonald's when I worked there as a teen).

I also use an inch or less of oil while frying zucchini and toasted ravioli. I'm glad to see that I can do donuts this way as well.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and is powdered buttermilk okay or not? Powdered buttermilk doesn't have the leavening powder of fresh, and I don't have fresh.

What about powdered milk and vinegar to replace the buttermilk?

Emily said...

I've been craving donuts lately. I was about to crack and go buy some Krispy Kremes, but I might have to make my own.
I bet these are perfect.

The cupcakes look great also.

Deb in Hawaii said...

I have never tried making donuts but these might inspire me to--especially with the maple glaze! Yum!

Prudy said...

Prudent homemaker:
Yes-absolutely powdered buttermilk is a great sub here. I should have included that on my tips. There's plenty of leavening in these, so it should work out just fine without any vinegar. Welcome! I can't wait to check out your site. YOu sound like my kind of gal.

grace said...

maple-glazed donuts are one of my favorite selections at dunkin donuts--yours look wonderful. i'm sure i'll never know how it feels to have mastered donut-making. :)
meanwhile, let me just say that i'm super impressed that you make your kids' costumes. kudos to you. :)

Prudy said...

Prudent Homemaker:
I was unable to get to your blog from your comment. If you have a blog and you don't mind sharing, I'd love to check it out!

Deborah said...

You do not know how bad I've been craving a donut - I want one of these!

Dee said...

You have me convinced! Your donuts look super scrumptious, Prudy. I'm also glad you suggested just an inch of oil because deep-frying is down right scary.

I'm sure you already know this, but I LOVE your blog.

CECIL said...

I am lost of words!! My mom and aunt always make this fried donuts and for years I have been thinking about making it, but I am not the bravest one when it comes to this sort of thing. But now that I look at this post, oohh..maybe I should!!

Anonymous said...

Having participated in countless years of Halloween parades, I can tell you that the best costumes have always been the ones crafted by moms and dads and worn proudly by their kids.

The same goes for doughnuts. These look delicious. I love maple!

Rosie said...

Gosh you made donuts and they look so good!! I haven't tempted to make my own yet.

Rosie x

Anonymous said...

The problem with donuts is that I can't just eat one.

Kiera said...

We just made these donuts! They are awesome! We were hoping to make some Chocolate...or even pumpkin. Can you suggest how to do this?!?!?

Prudy said...

Ritter Bs:
I'm so glad you liked the donuts. I have another recipe that I love for pumpkin donuts. Is that what you are looking for or are you trying to frost a few of the buttermilk with pumpkin? Let me know.

Ali said...

So I wanted to make these on friday and I am wondering if you have any great ideas of something else to use to cut them into donut shapes. I don't have a donut cutter. What about a wide mouth mason jar? Or is that too big? And then a littler hole for the center...a prescription pill bottle? The little skinny ones?

Anonymous said...

Prudy,

I don't know why the link isn't working for you. Thank you for letting me know.

Here's my site:

www.theprudenthomemaker.com

I am using the powdered buttermilk and making these when I can.

I thought I had one box of potato flakes still but I've used them all; I'll have to wait a few months until my husband gets paid again and see if I can get some. Any favorite sources or brands? Best price?

Becky said...

Prudy, we made these last night for Michal's Halloween party. Oh Mama, I cannot express in words how divine these donuts were! I'm pretty sure they are my new all time favorite food. Ever.
Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of us!
To everyone else, try these!!!!

Ali said...

I also made these for Halloween last night (and it was my hubby's 30th birthday). They were fabulous and everybody loved them! They were fast and easy too. Thanks for the great recipe!

Unknown said...

I also tried your doughnuts on Halloween night and had a blast making them and ghe glaze. However...I had trouble keeping my oil at a constant temp and they ended up really greasy. So next year I will be better about my oil. But I think I have found a new holiday tradition..Pudy's doughnuts on Halloween! Thanks for all the great ideas!!!!

Kiera said...

Prudy,I am looking for a pumpkin donut recipe... If you have one I would love to get it from you!

Peggy Clyde said...

Those look so yummy. I can't wait to try them. Thanks.

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