Donuts (homemade)

It was our friend Annika that warned us of donuts on the pier, she said we hadn't 'done' the Brighton experience unless we'd paid more than necessary for more doughnuts than we actually needed. Generally I would think of myself as a healthy eater and actually happier with cous cous than creme caramel but, in this instance, Annika was right. Donuts did solve overcast Tuesday blues, for a moment or two. 

They have become something of a talking point. Should the doughy pillows be filled with jam? Or custard as St John's have suggested? Should they be baked or deep fried? I spent my Saturday perfecting a recipe which I think, outshone those dirty ones from the pier. 

Makes 6 Doughnuts 

(recipe adapted from Felicity Cloake)

225g strong white flour

7g dried yeast

½ tsp salt

20g caster sugar, plus extra to dust

20g unsalted butter, 

65ml whole milk, warmed

45ml warm water

1 egg, beaten

2 litres vegetable or sunflower oil, to cook

1 tsp cinnamon

1. Combine the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a large bowl and mix well. Put the butter into a bowl with the warm milk and water, and stir to melt. Pour this into the mixing bowl, along with the egg, and stir until it comes together into a dough: it should be firm, but soft.

2. Tip on to a lightly floured surface, or into a mixer fitted with a dough hook, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Put into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and leave in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).

3. Shape into 6 balls of about 80g each, folding each side tightly into the centre in turn, turning as you go, then turn the ball over and put it on a lightly floured baking tray or board, spacing them well apart. Cover and leave to rise again for 45 minutes.

4. Heat the oil in a large pan or deep-fat fryer to 160C. Cook the doughnuts in 2 batches for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden, then blot with kitchen paper and sprinkle with caster sugar and ground cinnamon.