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1
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup of the sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of the apple pie spice in a medium bowl until well mixed.
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2
Stir the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon apple pie spice together in a shallow dish.
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3
Set aside.
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4
Whisk together the eggs, melted shortening, lemon zest and 1/2 cup seltzer water in a large bowl until smooth.
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5
Stir in the flour mixture.
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6
Add the remaining seltzer water, a teaspoon at a time, just until the dough comes together in a soft and shaggy ball.
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7
Turn the dough out onto a generously-floured cutting board (it will be a bit sticky).
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8
Sprinkle the top with flour and pat out until it is about 3/8-inch thick.
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9
Cut out as many circles as possible using a 3-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, then cut out doughtnut holes from the center of each with a 1-inch round cutter.
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10
Reserve the doughnuts and holes.
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11
Gather the scraps together and pat them out again to 3/8-inch thickness.
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12
Continue to cut doughnuts and doughnut holes, reworking the scraps, until all the dough is used.
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13
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until a deep frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 375 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the doughnuts and holes until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally.
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14
Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain and cool slightly.
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15
While still warm, roll in the spiced sugar until well coated.
