Applesauce Doughnuts/Donuts

Ingredients

• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup applesauce
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• vegetable oil, for frying
• cinnamon-sugar mixture

Directions

1. Beat 1-1/3 cups of the flour and remaining ingredients (except oil and cinnamon/sugar mixture)with an electric mixer on low speed, until just blended.
2. Stir in remaining flour and beat on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Cover dough and refrigerate for about 1 hour (dough should be stiff after refrigeration).
4. Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a fryer or heavy (3 quart) saucepan to 375°F (for perfect doughnuts use a themometer).
5. Divide dough in half and roll each half out on a well floured pastry board to 3/8" thick. Cut with a well floured doughnut cutter, or use a 3" cup and a clean pop bottle lid for the center.
6. Carefully slide cut doughnuts into hot oil, using a wide spatula. Cook 2 or 3 doughnuts at a time, so as not to lower the tempeture of the oil too much. Fry 1 to 1-1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Carefully remove from the oil (do not prick) and drain on papertowels.
8. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture while still hot.