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1
In a large, deep heavy pot or an electric fryer heat the oil to 375 degrees.
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2
In a large bowl, beat together the egg and sugar.
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3
Stir in the milk and the shortening.
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4
Sift together all of the dry ingredients.
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5
Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and stir to combine.
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6
Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
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7
On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough to 1/2 inch thickness with your fingertips or a rolling pin.
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8
Cut out the doughnuts using a doughnut cutter or two sizes of round cookie cutters.
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9
Transfer doughnuts to wax paper and allow to dry for 10 minutes.
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10
Using a spatula dipped in the hot oil, carefully transfer the doughnuts to the hot oil.
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11
Cook 2 - 3 doughnuts at a time, flipping them when they brown on a side.
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12
Remove to paper towels to drain.
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13
Dust with confectioners' sugar or cinnamon sugar mixture.
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14
Serve warm.
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15
Doughnut holes: Add dough to hot oil by the spoonful and fry until golden.
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16
Variations: Chocolate doughnuts: Combine the melted shortening with 1 ounce of melted chocolate before adding to batter.
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17
Glazed doughnuts: Combine 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar with 2 teaspoons hot milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
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18
Drizzle over cooled doughnuts.
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19
Jelly doughnuts: Stir 1/2 cup jelly of choice until smooth.
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20
Transfer jelly to a plastic baggie and snip off one corner to squeeze out jelly.
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21
Poke doughnut round with a chopstick And squirt in jelly.
