A bread machine takes much of the work out of making doughnuts. The machine does the mixing and kneading, all that's left to do is form the doughnuts, let them rise, deep-fry 'em, glaze 'em and eat 'em!

Bread Machine Doughnuts

3/4 cup milk or water
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Vegetable oil for frying

 

Glaze:

3 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
milk or water

1. Place ingredients in bread machine according to manufacturer and set to dough setting. When cycle is done, remove dough, punch down and let rest 10 minutes.
2. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2-inch thick. Cut with floured doughnut cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheet and let rise about 1 hour or until very light.
3. Fry in preheated 375°F (190°C) oil, a few at a time, about 1 minute, each side. Drain on paper towel. Glaze or dust with powdered sugar, as desired.
4. For Glaze: Combine the powdered sugar, butter and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Mix well and add just enough milk or water until glaze is the consistency you desire. (A thinner consistency will produce a thin glaze on the doughnuts or a thicker consistency will be more like a frosting.)

Makes about 24 doughnuts.