Crispy and Creamy Doughnuts

I made this for our family New Years party. SOOO worth it. Michael asked me why I don't make these more often. He is a lover of donuts like no other, so when he told me that these were the best donuts ever (even better than Daylight donuts) I was pretty proud of myself.

Dough:

2 (.25 ounce) Envelopes active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115º)
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs1/3 cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour

1-quart vegetable oil for frying

Glaze

1/3-cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 tablespoons hot water or as needed

1 Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.

2 In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix for a few minutes at low speed, or stirring with a wooden spoon. Beat in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until double. Dough is ready if you touch it, and the indention remains.

3 Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Let doughnuts sit out to rise again until double. Cover loosely with a cloth.

4 Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing
is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.

5 Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 350º. Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown. Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Dip doughnuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to drain off excess. Keep a cookie sheet or tray under racks for easier clean up.