'Tis the Season for Fall - Apple Cider Donuts

There is an orchard in New Jersey called Terhune Orchards that makes the most amazing apple cider donuts.  I sure do miss those donuts!

Apple Cider Donuts

1 cup apple cider
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 stick (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Vegetable oil, for frying

In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently reduce apple cider to about 1/4 cup, 20 to 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a bowl; set aside.

Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add the egg and continue to beat until the egg is completely incorporated. Use a spatula to occasionally scrape down sides of bowl. Reduce speed to low and gradually add 2 tablespoons reduced apple cider and the buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Add the flour mixture and continue to mix just until dough comes together.

Sprinkle a piece of parchment generously with flour. Turn dough onto sheet and sprinkle the top with flour. Flatten dough with your hands until it is about 1/2 inch thick. (Use more flour if the dough is still wet.) Place on a baking sheet and wrap tightly in plastic. Refrigerate overnight.

Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick. Using a 1-1/2 inch round cutter, cut out doughnuts. Using the 1/2 inch round end of a pastry tip, cut out centers. Place on a parchment lined and flour dusted baking sheet. Refrigerate doughnuts for 20 to 30 minutes.

While doughnuts are resting, whisk together the remaining reduced cider and the confectioners' sugar in a small bowl to make the glaze. Stir together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl for dusting.

Fill a deep sided pan with 3 inches of oil. Heat over medium heat until oil reaches 360 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Line a baking sheet with several layers of paper towels. Carefully add a few doughnuts to the oil, being careful not to crowd the pan, and fry until golden brown, about 60 seconds. Turn doughnuts over an fry until the other side is golden, 30 to 60 seconds. Drain on paper towels. Dip the tops of the warm doughnuts into the glaze, or coat entire doughnuts with cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately.

Recipe and picture from MarthaStewartWeddings.com