A Healthy Alternative

OK so not exactly healthy, but certainly healthier.

My kids love doughnuts. Don't ask me why. (Other than the fact that they are loaded with sugar and trans fat and multicolored sprinkles...I just don't understand it )

So I made a heroic attempt to make a doughnut that really wasn't that bad, so that my poor deprived children could indulge in mortal pleasures and I didn't have to feel guilty about it. (OK so maybe my motives were all wrong)

Whole Wheat Doughnuts
5 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 c warm water (105-115 degrees)
1 1/2 c lukewarm milk
1/2 c unprocessed sugar (preferably succanat but I used turbinado)
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/3 c coconut oil
5-6 cups fresh milled whole white wheat
1 quart coconut oil for frying


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

In a large bowl (I used my bosch bowl) mix together the yeast mixture, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, coconut oil, and two cups of flour. Mix for a few minutes at low speed, or stir with a wooden spoon. Beat in remaining flour 1/2 c at a time until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.




Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll out to a 1/2 in thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter or glass. Cover the doughnuts with a damp dishtowel and let rise until about doubled in size.




Heat oil in a large heavy skillet to 350 degrees. Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. (They brown up fast.) Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown.




Remove from hot oil and place on paper towel to drain.





Drizzle doughnuts with glaze if desired.

Glaze
1/2 c melted butter
2 c powdered turbinado
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 TBSP milk




So truth be told...these are NO Krispy Cremes (Thank goodness!) and if you are used to highly refined, white sugar laden doughnuts these will be an adjustment. But really they were delicious and a huge hit with the family!!

YEAH for healthy (ier) doughnuts!