Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts
(makes 12 donuts, plus donut holes!)

INGREDIENTS

Donuts

• 2 cups apple cider

• 1 apple, such as fuji or gala, chopped

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon each ground cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice

• 2 large eggs

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

• Oil for deep frying

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, bring cider and chopped apple to a rapid boil; cook over high heat until reduced by half, about 12 minutes. Cool. Blend into a puree with immersion blender or blender.

2. Whisk together flours, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter and cooled cider; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened (dough will be sticky). Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour or until firm enough to shape.

3. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface, pat each portion to 1/2-in. thickness; cut with a floured 3-in. doughnut cutter (or you can use a 3in circle cutter and then cut out the donut hole with a piping tip or anything you can find!).

4. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 325°. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown, 2-3 minutes on each side.

5. Fry doughnut holes, a few at time, until golden brown and cooked through, about 1 minute on each side. Drain on paper towels; cool slightly.

6. If desired, dip tops of doughnuts into glaze of your choice or sprinkle with powdered sugar!

Enjoy!