-
1
Core and coarsely chop the apples (do not peel).
-
2
Combine with 1 1/2 cups cider in a medium saucepan over medium heat; cover and cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
-
3
Uncover and continue cooking until the apples are tender and the cider is almost completely reduced, about 5 minutes.
-
4
Puree with an immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth.
-
5
Measure the sauce; you should have 1 cup.
-
6
(Boil to reduce further, if necessary.)
-
7
Let cool slightly.
-
8
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
-
9
Beat 2/3 cup granulated sugar and the shortening in another bowl with a mixer on medium speed until sandy.
-
10
Beat in the egg and yolk, then gradually mix in the applesauce, scraping the bowl.
-
11
Beat in half of the flour mixture, then the buttermilk and vanilla, and then the remaining flour mixture.
-
12
Mix to make a sticky dough; do not overmix.
-
13
Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured sheet of parchment paper and pat into a 7-by-11-inch rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
-
14
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
-
15
Meanwhile, make the glaze: Simmer the remaining 1 cup cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup.
-
16
Whisk in the confectioners' sugar until smooth and glossy, then set aside.
-
17
Mix the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside for the topping.
-
18
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees.
-
19
Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
-
20
Cut the chilled dough into 12 rounds, using a floured 2 1/2- or 3-inch biscuit cutter, then cut out the middles with a 1-inch cutter (or use a doughnut cutter).
-
21
Slip 2 or 3 doughnuts at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed.
-
22
Transfer to the paper towels to drain.
-
23
Dip one side of each doughnut in the cider glaze, letting the excess drip off; dip just the glazed side in the cinnamon-sugar or roll all over in cinnamon-sugar, if desired.
-
24
Serve warm.
-
25
Photograph by Kate Mathis