Directions

1. 1. Mix the yeast, water and sugar together. Let foam for 10 minutes.
2. 2. Scald the milk and add the shortening. Let the mixture cool then add the egg and yolks, sugar, salt and lemon zest. Stir well and pour in yeast mixture.
3. 3. Add the flour and stir to form a soft dough. Knead for five to eight minutes, adding a bit of flour as needed to form a firmer dough.
4. 4. When dough is smooth and elastic, place in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place or let rise overnight in the refrigerator.
5. 5. Punch down and pinch off pieces of dough to form small balls (about the size of golfballs). Cover and let sit 15 minutes.
6. 6. In a deep fryer or heavy Dutch oven heat four inches of oil to 375 degrees F.
7. 7. Cook the doughnuts a few at a time. Fry until the undersides are deep brown. Gently turn over once and finish frying the other side. Remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon. Drain them on paper towels.
8. 8. Cut out a small portion of the top of each doughnut and then fill with jam or jelly.
9. 9. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.