hard rain : pillowy soft baked donuts

it's raining outside. i'm glad. the day has been a bit hotter than usual. the rain can cool it down a little bit. and do you know what's best eaten at time like this? hmm...donuts! yeap, lots and lots of them. rolling in sugar, piped in jam or cream, halved and spread some tuna or sardine...the options are endless. just take your pick. you like it sweet as candy...or hot and spicy like chili... ^_^

my pick for today is...sweet! well, maybe not as sweet as candy. but sweeter than usual. hehehe...yeah yeah...i reckon you're gonna say that i'll ruin my teeth...i keep that in mind, but let me go just this once. okay? ;) great...now let me tell you what's soo good about these little fellas. 

they're warm from the oven. the tops are dipped in butter. then they're pressed on a plate full of sugar...that is why they are going to be extra sweet! more over, they are soo soft and fluffy and pillowy you can't just eating only one! ^_^ that's what i did...i ate...hmm, should i tell?? probably not. :-p
oh, by the way...i love being seen on yeastspotting!

pillowy soft baked donuts

adapted from mama mic's magic dough (makes lots and lot of buns and rolls)

• 2 cups of warm water
• 1 packet of instant yeast ( 11g )
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of olive oil  (scant cup) 
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 5 - 6 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1. in a big bowl, put in sugar + warm water + yeast, let stand until foamy about 5 minutes (stir occasionally)
2. then, add in olive oil + salt
3. add in 5 cups of flour, mix thoroughly until you'll get a sticky dough
4. add additional flour, 1/2 cup at a time and start kneading with your hand (dip your palm in flour to minimize sticking)
5. keep on kneading and adding the flour until the dough starts feeling smooth and pulls away from the bowl, oil the dough and sides of bowl
6. cover with a wet cloth or cling wrap and let rise until doubled about 45 minutes at a warm spot
7. once doubled, punched the dough and knead a few times. flour your kneading board, take a chunk of the dough (about 1/4) and knead on the floured surface
8. use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until you get about 1/4 inch of thickness (don't have to measure, just go with your instinct), then cut small circles using a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter 
9. place the circles on a greased baking sheet 2 inches apart and let rise for 15 minutes
10. baked in preheated oven, 175 C (350 F) for 13 - 15 minutes or until puff and slightly browned
11. dipped the top of warm donuts  in melted butter before pressing on sugar of your choice * plain powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, vanilla sugar...etc. you can also piped in whipped cream or jam or even chocolate ganache inside for more indulgence. i like mine plain with powdered sugar! *
12. the donuts are best eaten warm with coffee, milk or tea ^_^