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1
For the dough, hand whisk the water and yeast together in the bowl of an electric mixer and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes to dissolve the yeast.
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2
Whisk in the milk and shortening.
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3
Stir in the eggs, sugar, salt and 3 cups of the flour.
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4
Mix to make a soft dough.
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5
Knead with the dough hook on the lowest speed of the mixer for 8 to 10 minutes, gradually adding more flour as required to form a soft but elastic dough.
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6
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled.
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7
For the filling, whisk the sugar, flour, and egg yolks together in a bowl.
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8
In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a boil.
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9
Stir 2 TBS of the hot milk into the eggyolk mixture to temper the yolks and prevent curdling.
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10
Stir the egg mixture into the milk and stir constantly until thickened and beginning to boil gently.
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11
Remove from heat.
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12
Stir in the butter and vanilla and let cool.
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13
Place in a bowl, covering with plastic wrap to help prevent a skin from forming.
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14
Put in the fridge until needed.
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15
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
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16
Pinch off pieces and form into small balls, about the size of golf balls.
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17
Cover and let rise for 25 minutes.
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18
In a dutch oven heat 4 inches of oil to 375*F.
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19
Add the doughnuts a few at a time and fry for 30 to 40 seconds, until deep brown on first side.
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20
Turn and fry on the second side for 15 to 30 seconds.
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21
Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain and let cool.
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22
Whisk the custard to smooth and fluff it.
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23
Put the custard in a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip.
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24
Split each cooled doughnut in half and pipe or spoon in some custard.
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25
For the glaze, melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler over barely simmering water.
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26
Add the sugar and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
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27
Add enough water to make a thin glaze.
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28
Let cool for 1 minute, then drizzle over the doughnuts.
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29
If the glaze gets too stiff, add more hot water to make it workable again.
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30
Enjoy!