-
1
In a small saucepan, warm the milk, vanilla seeds and 1 tablespoon of the sugar over moderate heat until the temperature registers 105 on a candy thermometer.
-
2
Transfer to the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook.
-
3
Add the yeast and let stand until foamy, 5 minutes.
-
4
Add the shortening, egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and beat at medium speed just until the shortening is broken up.
-
5
Beat in the salt, baking powder and mace.
-
6
At low speed, add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough is firm but still tacky (you may need to add more or less flour to achieve the desired consistency).
-
7
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead a few times; pat it into a disk and transfer to a floured baking sheet.
-
8
Dust with flour and cover with a towel.
-
9
Place the baking sheet in the center of a turned-off oven.
-
10
Set a large roasting pan on the bottom rack and fill it halfway with boiling water.
-
11
Close the oven door and let the dough stand until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
-
12
Line 2 baking sheets with wax paper and dust with flour.
-
13
Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and roll out to a 12-inch round, 1/2 inch thick.
-
14
For doughnuts, use a floured 2 3/4-inch doughnut cutter (or 2 3/4-inch and 1 1/4-inch cookie cutters) and stamp them out as close together as possible; alternatively, for doughnut holes, use a 1-inch cookie cutter.
-
15
Transfer the doughnuts and/or holes to the baking sheets and return to the oven.
-
16
Refill the roasting pan with boiling water and close the oven door.
-
17
Let stand until the dough has doubled in bulk, 45 minutes.
-
18
Set a rack on a baking sheet and cover with paper towels.
-
19
In a large saucepan, heat 2 inches of oil to 365.
-
20
Add 3 or 4 doughnuts at a time; adjust the heat to keep the oil between 350 and 360.
-
21
Fry the doughnuts until golden brown, 1 minute per side.
-
22
If frying doughnut holes, cook them in batches of 12.
-
23
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the doughnuts to the paper towels.
