Ginger Doughnut Twist Food

DOUGHNUT TWISTS

Steps:

• Place yeast in the bowl of a mixer. Pour milk over yeast; stir to combine. Let stand until foamy, about 2 minutes. Add 2 3/4 cups flour to bowl without stirring. Cover tightly with plastic, and let stand in a warm place until surface is cracking, about 45 minutes.
• Whisk together cup flour, the yolks, brown and granulated sugars, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until dark brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat. Pour browned butter (with browned bits) over yolk mixture; whisk to combine.
• Add yolk-butter mixture to yeast mixture. Beat with a mixer on medium-low speed until just combined. Add remaining 1/2 cup flour. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, about 2 minutes (dough will be sticky). Transfer to an oiled bowl; cover. Let stand in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. Turn out dough onto a floured surface, and knead for 2 minutes. Return dough to bowl. Let stand until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes more.
• Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll out dough into a 10-by-25-inch rectangle. Cut crosswise into twenty 1/2-inch-thick strips. Bring ends of 1 strip together, twist, and pinch ends to seal. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips. Let stand for 15 minutes.
• Heat 2 to 3 inches oil in a heavy 5-quart saucepan until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees. Working in batches, fry doughnuts, turning occasionally, until browned, about 2 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.) Transfer doughnuts to paper-towel-lined plates to drain; let cool slightly. Toss doughnuts in superfine sugar. Serve with chocolate-brandy sauce if desired.

CINNAMON DOUGHNUT TWISTS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, sugars, nutmeg, salt, eggs and orange zest and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes., Punch dough down. Divide in half. On a floured surface, roll out one portion into a 13-1/2x6-in. rectangle. With a sharp knife, cut dough into thirty-six 1-1/2-in. squares. , Using a sharp knife and beginning at the bottom of the lower left square, make two 1-in. vertical cuts 1/2 in. apart. Braid the three attached strips; pinch ends to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining squares and the remaining dough. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 40 minutes. , In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, for 1 minute on each side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. , In a large saucepan, combine glaze ingredients. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat. Dip warm doughnuts in glaze. Place on wire racks with waxed paper underneath.