Bismarck Doughnuts

Ingredients

Warm milk

1 cup

Active dry yeast

2 teaspoons

White sugar

1/4 cup

Egg

1 large

Shortening

1/4 cup

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon

All-purpose flour

3 cups

Jam or custard for filling

1 cup (your choice)

Powdered sugar for dusting

1/2 cup

Vegetable oil for frying

enough for deep frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Beat in the egg, salt, nutmeg, and shortening until well combined.
3. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Use a doughnut cutter or round biscuit cutter to cut out the doughnuts.
7. Arrange the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet, cover them, and allow them to rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
8. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the doughnuts for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown.
9. Once fried, drain the doughnuts on paper towels to remove excess oil and let them cool.
10. Fill a pastry bag with your choice of jam or custard. Insert the tip into the side of each doughnut and gently squeeze to fill.
11. Finally, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of sweetness.