Dissolve yeast in the warm water plus the 1 tablespoon sugar in the bottom of the bowl for an electric mixer until it is foamy, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place milk into the microwave for 1 ½ minutes on high power, then let cool to 105º–115º F
3
Add milk, remaining ¼ cup sugar, the egg, shortening, and salt plus 1 cup of the flour. Beat on low for 30 seconds; scrape the bowl. Then beat 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape the bowl once or twice.
4
On low add the remaining flour, and beat on low 1 minute until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until double, about 1 hour. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to ½ -inch thickness. Cut out circles with a 3-inch cutter and place them on lightly floured baking sheets. Cover and let them rise again until double, about 30 minutes
5
Heat frying oil in a wide, deep pot over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Carefully slide 4 – 5 donuts into the oil at one time and fry for 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Remove with tongs or a wide slotted spatula to a paper-towel lined cookie sheet, being careful not to puncture the sides of the donuts. Continue to fry remaining donuts, adjusting heat to maintain a constant 350º F.
6
While donuts cool, sprinkle tops of the donuts generously with powdered sugar before serving.
