I like doughnuts. I really like homemade doughnuts-but hate the mess. On a day like today, I think donuts might just hit the spot-mess or no mess. Try it with the nutmeg-optional but really makes this donut I think.

3½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
2 tablespoons shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
Fat for deep frying

Sift flour and resift 3 times with baking powder, soda, salt and nutmeg. Cream shortening, blend in sugar thoroughl, then add beaten eggs and vanilla. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk in 3 or 4 portions, stirring only until well mixed. Chill dough befoure rolling. Remove only part of dough from refrigerator at a time. Roll dough out on a lightly floured board or pastry cloth from ¼ to â…œ-inch thick. Cut out doughnuts with floured cutter. Fry in deep fat heated to 375° F. Fry only until underside is golden brown, then turn and brown on other side. Lift doughnuts out with slotted spoon or in a wire basket. Drain on paper toweling. Put granulated sugar, XXXX sugar or cinnamon and sugar into a paper bag, place doughnuts in while warm and shake to coat. 36 doughnuts. The Modern Family Cookbook