Grandma's Donuts

Grandma's Donuts - a delicious recipe that combines nostalgia with flavor! These homemade donuts are exceptionally fluffy and enriched with the sweet aromas of honey and cinnamon. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a snack, these donuts are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Here’s how you can prepare these delights step by step, with useful tips and tricks to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Frying time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings (approximately 16 donuts)

Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup flour
- A pinch of salt
- 3 eggs
- Oil for frying (approximately 1 liter, depending on the size of the pan)
- Honey (for serving)
- Cinnamon (for serving)

A brief history:
Donuts have a long tradition in many cultures, often associated with family moments, holidays, or rainy days spent indoors. This recipe, inspired by our grandmothers' recipes, brings back memories of simpler times when cooking was a family activity. Each ingredient has a special role: water and butter form the base of the dough, flour provides structure, and eggs ensure fluffiness.

Step by step for perfect donuts:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Choose quality butter, as it will influence the final flavor of the donuts. You can use unsalted butter for a milder taste.

2. Boiling the water: In a medium pot, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add ½ cup of butter and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to help the butter melt evenly.

3. Adding the flour: Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and slowly add 1 cup of flour. Use a pear-shaped whisk and mix vigorously so that the flour is well incorporated. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes homogeneous and pulls away from the sides of the pot, forming a compact ball of dough.

4. Cooling the dough: Let the dough cool for a few minutes, but not too long, as it needs to be warm when you add the eggs.

5. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become smooth and shiny. It’s important to mix well to ensure a fluffy donut.

6. Heating the oil: In a deep pan, pour the necessary oil for frying. Make sure the oil is hot but not too hot to avoid burning the donuts. A simple way to check the oil temperature is to add a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

7. Frying the donuts: Using a spoon, take portions of the dough and carefully lower them into the hot oil. Fry the donuts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Do not try to fry too many at once, as this will cool the oil.

8. Draining the donuts: Once the donuts are fried, remove them with a spatula and place them on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

9. Serving: Sprinkle honey and cinnamon over the warm donuts. This classic duo adds a sweet and aromatic flavor, perfect for complementing the fluffy texture of the donuts.

Serving suggestions:
For an even more special experience, you can serve the donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with warm chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast. Additionally, a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee are excellent accompaniments for these delights.

Tips and variations:
- Flavor variations: You can add a little vanilla or lemon zest to the dough for an extra note of flavor.
- Filled donuts: If you wish, you can fill the donuts with fruit jam or chocolate cream after they have cooled.
- Savory donuts: Instead of sugar and cinnamon, you can add feta cheese and dill to the dough for a savory version.

Nutritional benefits:
These donuts offer a mix of carbohydrates from the flour and healthy fats from the butter. The eggs provide protein, and honey, besides sweetness, has antioxidant properties. Moderation is key, but these donuts can be a delicious part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use sunflower or peanut oil, but avoid oils with strong flavors that might affect the taste of the donuts.

2. What if the dough is too sticky?
Make sure you followed the steps correctly. If necessary, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to make the mixture too heavy.

3. How can I store the donuts?
The donuts can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days, but they are best when consumed fresh. You can reheat them slightly before serving.

These Grandma's donuts are not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring a touch of warmth and love into your kitchen. Preparing them becomes a pleasant experience, and their taste will transport you back in time, reminding you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!