Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp yeast
• 4 tbsp caster sugar
• 150ml/5¼fl oz milk, warmed
• 225g/8oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• ¼ tsp salt
• 50g/2oz butter, melted
• 1 free-range egg, beaten
• 300ml/10½fl oz vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• jam of your choice

Method

1. Mix the yeast with half a teaspoon of the sugar and two tablespoons of the warm milk. Place in a warm place to rest for 15 minutes, or until frothy.

2. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Stir in one tablespoon of the sugar.

3. Make a well in the flour and pour in the yeast mix, the rest of the milk, the melted butter and the egg. Mix to make a dough and then knead, cover the bowl and leave to stand for 45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.

4. On a floured work surface, knead the dough for five minutes, then divide into 12 balls and place in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

5. Heat the oil in a deep pan until it reaches 190C/375F, or a cube of bread dropped in sizzles and turns golden in 30 seconds. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)

6. Gently lower the dough balls one at a time into the hot oil, in batches of two or three, and fry for 3-5 minutes or until golden-brown, and then carefully turn over. Remove from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

7. Roll the hot doughnuts in the remaining sugar. Make a small slit in the doughnut with the tip of a knife, and fill with a teaspoon of jam. Serve.