BIRD + CLEAVER

Another recipe, another experiment. However, this one turned out to be more than just throwing a new spin on any old thing we had laying around. It was a test of sensibilities, an exercise in tolerance. It was so absurd, we almost couldn't bring ourselves to do it.

Since the normal window for our favorite weekly ritual of "big breakfast" had already passed, we decided that it would be just as good for dinner. Breakfast for dinner; while unconventional, is certainly not earth shattering. It was the menu that really took things to a different place. A strange, and frightening place. It was donuts. Donuts were on the menu. "Oooh, that sounds awesome. Do we have enough oil?" "We don't need oil. I am going to bake them"................... I will give you time to catch your breath.

Yes, I said baked. She was going to bake donuts.

Despite the fact that a baked donut is total sacrilege, I believe in Mrs. Cheesebrew's abilities. I believe, that even in the face of adversity (albeit, self imposed) she will overcome. Always with tasty results. However, I have to admit, this time I was a little concerned. But, like so many times before, she persevered. A non-fried donut, and it was delicious!

Mind blown.

Don't believe it? Try it.  

for the donuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons melted butter + more for dipping
• 1/2 cup sugar + 1 cup for topping
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 4 1/2 -5 cups flour
• vegetable oil

for blackberry sauce:

•  1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries, cleaned
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Heat milk over medium heat.  Bring to a simmer.  Set aside and let cool slightly.  It should be warm to the touch but not hot.  Pour 1/4 cup of milk into a bowl and sprinkle with yeast.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until foamy.  In the meantime, combine the rest of milk, melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs,salt, cinnamon and ginger in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add yeast / milk mixture. Mix on low and add flour a half cup at a time until dough is tacky but firm.  Mix on medium speed until dough is smooth and elastic, about 3 minutes.

Oil the inside of large bowl and place dough inside.  Cover and let proof in a warm spot until dough is doubled in size, about an hour.  Remove dough from bowl, and punch down.  Lightly flour a board and roll to a 1 inch thickness.  Cut into 1 inch circles with a cutter.  Place on parchment lined baking sheets and cover with plastic wrap.  Let proof until dough is light and fluffy, about 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bake for 6-8 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown.  While baking, combine 1 cup of sugar + 1 teaspoon of sugar in bowl.  Also place 4 tablespoons of melted butter into a bowl.  After doughnuts are removed from oven, and cool enough to handle, dip into melted butter and then cinnamon /sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining donuts.  Stuff in face.

To make blackberry sauce:
Combine blackberries, vanilla and powdered sugar in small saucepan.  Cook over low heat and smash berries apart with wooden spoon.  Cook until sauce is slightly thickened and berries are mostly broken down.  Strain seeds through fine mesh sieve and enjoy!