Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!

Here’s a fun thing to do while sheltering in: make some donuts! And while you’re at it, why not make the best? Loved the world over, and for good reason, Krispy Kreme donuts are a deliciously decadent treat. And now you can replicate that goodness in your very own kitchen. You’re welcome.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons boiling water
• 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
• 8 ounces all-purpose flour ( a little under 2 cups, I recommend you measure and weigh)
• 1 1/2 ounces sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 egg
• 1 ounce butter, cold to room temperature
• 1 dash salt
• oil

For the glaze:

• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 tablespoons hot water ( or as needed)

Instructions:

1. In a large measuring container, combine the boiling water and milk. Next, add a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Stir this mixture gently to combine, and leave it in a warm place to give the yeast time to activate.
2. Combine the flour, the rest of the sugar, and the salt in a large mixing bowl. Using your fingers, add the butter little by little until it resembles large bread crumbs.
3. To the flour mix, add the egg (lightly beat before adding) and yeast mixture. Combine this into a smooth dough, about 5 minutes of mixing.
4. Turn out the dough onto a lightly-floured surface. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes—you want it to feel springy and you should see little bubbles form under the surface. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a dish towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about an hour. It should double in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, place it onto your lightly-floured surface and cut it into 4 pieces. One at a time, roll and stretch each piece into a long rope that’s about an inch and a half wide. Cut pieces about an inch long, roll them into a ball with your hands and set aside on a baking tray or wire rack.
6. Cover the dough balls with a cloth while you heat the frying oil to 375°F (190C)
7. Carefully put the doughnuts one by one into the oil. Fry for about 2 minutes until golden brown on each side. You don’t want them to stick together so just do a few at a time.
8. Drain them on a paper towel or wire rack before glazing them. Glaze them when they are still warm, so you get amazing coverage like they do at the Krispy Kreme store!