• Now, the fun really begins. Cooking becomes an adventure, especially with donuts. Let’s break down the process:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a bowl, combine the warmed milk and yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This is your yeast coming to life. Trust me, it’s magic.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, canola oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix these until they’re smooth.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

• Pour your yeast mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir it together gently. It’s like introducing two old friends.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine everything well. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

• Flour your countertop. Place the dough on it and knead for about 5–7 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic. Imagine you’re giving the dough a workout!

Step 6: Let it Rise

• Put the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. Watch it grow, much like your hopes on a rainy day!

Step 7: Shape the Donuts

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter—or two different sized round cookie cutters—to cut out your donuts. Don’t forget the holes!

Step 8: Heat the Oil

• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F. You can use a thermometer to be precise or drop a small piece of dough in to see if it sizzles.

Step 9: Fry the Donuts

• Fry each donut for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Take them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 10: Fill the Donuts

• Once they cool, use a piping bag to fill your donuts with jelly. Remember—don’t skimp! You want that jelly to ooze out.

Step 11: Dust with Powdered Sugar

• The final touch! Roll the filled donuts in powdered sugar. It’s like giving them a snow day.