Polish Doughnuts (Pączki)

Steps

1. 1
   Step 1:

   Mix the yeast with the caster sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour.

2. 2
   Step 2:

   Stir the warm milk into the yeast mixture to make the leaven.

3. 3
   Step 3:

   Set the leaven aside in a warm place for 30 minutes.

   30 min
4. 4
   Step 4:

   Put the egg yolks in a heatproof bowl and add the sugar and vanilla sugar.

5. 5
   Step 5:

   Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water and whisk until the mixture is smooth and thick.

6. 6
   Step 6:

   Sift the flour into the bowl of a stand mixer.

7. 7
   Step 7:

   Add the beaten yolks and warm double cream, then mix thoroughly.

8. 8
   Step 8:

   Add a pinch of salt and the leaven, then bring the mixture together into a dough.

9. 9
   Step 9:

   Knead for 10 minutes, or for 15–20 minutes if kneading by hand.

   15–20 min
10. 10
    Step 10:

    When the dough no longer sticks to your hands, knead in the cooled melted butter for a few more minutes.

11. 11
    Step 11:

    Cover the dough with a cloth and leave it in a warm place to rise for at least 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

    1 h
12. 12
    Step 12:

    Mix the jam with the ground almonds and spoon the filling into a piping bag or jam syringe.

13. 13
    Step 13:

    Divide the dough into 16 pieces and shape them into doughnuts.

14. 14
    Step 14:

    Cover the doughnuts and leave them to rise for 30 minutes.

    30 min
15. 15
    Step 15:

    Fill a deep pan or deep-fat fryer one-third full with oil or melted lard and heat to 180C.

16. 16
    Step 16:

    If you do not have a thermometer, test the oil with a small piece of bread; it is ready when the bread browns in about 30 seconds.

17. 17
    Step 17:

    Add the doughnuts and fry them, turning once, for about 1–2 minutes on each side, until a thin lighter ring forms around the middle.

    1–2 min
18. 18
    Step 18:

    Remove the doughnuts and drain excess fat on kitchen paper.