Donuts or Doughnuts?

According to the dictionary...both spellings are correct.  It really doesn't matter does it?  They are wonderful either way!  I told you that cooler weather brings on cravings for my mother's doughnuts, so on a cool Sunday afternoon, I mixed up the dough and my husband fried them and guess who helped us eat them?  My lovely grandchildren.  One thing I wanted to mention...some people think that making doughnuts are a difficult process.  I'm here to tell you, they are not!  Messy...yes!  Hard to make...no!  Take it on!  You will be glad you did!  Here is how my mom made her doughnuts.  Here is how I make mine!  I would love to hear about other doughnut recipes.

Recipe for Mom's Homemade Doughnuts....

Mom's Homemade Doughnuts
1 cup milk
1 cup mashed potatoes
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or shortening
2 large eggs
1 package dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
5 1/4 cups flour
vegetable oil for fryer
sugar for coating
Ground cinnamon (optional)
glaze (recipe below)
Directions:  Scald milk, set aside to cool to lukewarm (in a large bowl).  With wooden spoon, beat together mashed potatoes, sugar and butter.  beat in eggs, 1 at a time.  In measuring cup or small bowl sprinkle yeast over warm water.  Stir and set aside to soften.  Gradually beat milk into potato mixture.  Beat yeast mixture and 3 cups flour into potato mixture.  Gradually stir another 1-3/4 cups flour into the dough.  Turn out onto board sprinkled with remaining 1/2 cup flour; knead dough until smooth & shines.  Lightly oil large bowl.  Place ball of dough into bowl, oiled side up.  Let dough rise about 45 minutes.  Heat 3 in. oil or shortening to 370 degrees F.  When dough is about double, roll and cut.  Fry, transfer to a cooking rack with paper towels below.  Toss doughnuts in bag with sugar, sugar and cinnamon or powdered sugar.  Another option is dipping doughnuts into a glaze. 
GLAZE:  1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups powdered sugar.