Civil War Donuts

Given the fact that I will make donuts any chance I get and the fact that I am racking up quite a few posts on homemade donuts, I just want to say I am not making this up! ;) There really is a Civil War version of the donut and I found it in this lovely little Civil War Era cook book called, The Blue and Grey Cookery Authentic Recipes From the Civil War Years by Hugh and Judy Gowan.

We are having our second day of reenacting fun for the kids today and as promised I'll be serving up some vittles from that time period. When I came across this donut recipe and saw that it didn't require yeast I knew this would have to be one of the foods we try! Why was I excited about there being no yeast? Because it will take much less time! I am working with 31 kids here so I need something I can make super fast before the troops storm the gate!

I made these donuts a few days ago just to get used to the recipe and to taste it and make sure the kids would approve. As soon as I tasted the dough, well, I take that back. As soon as I smelled the dough I knew it was going to be yummy!! The cinnamon and nutmeg are a wonderful combination. It also calls for cloves, but I didn't have any. It still turned out great.

Here is what you will need:
2 cups of sugar                                             1/4 tsp. of nutmeg
1 1/2 cups of milk (you could use soy)        4 1/2 cups of flour
3 eggs, beaten                                               4 1/2 tsp. of baking powder
1 tsp. of cinnamon                                        1 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract
1 tsp. of cloves

Soak sugar in milk for 10 minutes.
Add beaten eggs and beat well.
Stir dry ingredients together and gradually add to wet mixture. Add vanilla.

The dough is very soft and easy to work with. I had to add a bit more flour. I think I used almost an extra cup. I just kept sprinkling it over the dough until it became easy for me to put my hands in without it sticking to my fingers.

Roll out dough one half at a time until 1/2 inch thick.

Cut out shapes.

I used one of the piping tips for the circle inside. I didn't have anything else and it worked great!

Fry in oil 360-370 degrees till browned on both sides.

Roll in sugar and cinnamon or powdered sugar.

We made a little bit of everything!

Have a wonderful weekend!