Recipe

Doughnuts

Step 1: In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 2: In a second bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until combined. Slowly add the cream and milk, mixing until combined, and then mix in the vanilla. Lastly, add the flour mixture and stir until a stiff dough forms.

Step 3: On a floured countertop, roll out the dough about 1/2″ thick. With a doughnut cutter, cut out the doughnuts. We prefer a smaller doughnut, but it is up to you.

Step 4: Pour the oil to a depth of 3″ into your deep fryer (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions) and heat to 350°F. (Or, use a thick-bottomed, high-sided pot and a deep-fat thermometer.) Working in batches, add the doughnuts and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are a nice light brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: In a small saucepan, bring the maple syrup to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. With your trusty tongs, dip and coat the doughnuts with the syrup. Serve 4-6 doughnuts per person with a couple of slices of the smoked cheddar each.

Smoked Cheddar

Step 1: Combine the cheese, whisky and syrup in a large freezer bag. Seal the bag and place it in the freezer for 4 hours.

Step 2: Start your smoker and heat it to 85°-105°F; you want to keep the smoke “cold,” that is, at a slow smolder, using mostly wood chips.

Step 3: Insert a remote thermometer into the cheese and place it in the smoker. Smoke the cheese until it reaches an internal temperature of 39°F. The smoked cheese will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month, wrapped tightly in plastic.

Makes 20-24 doughnuts

See more recipes from Joe Beef.

Reprinted with permission from Frédéric Morin, David McMillan and Meredith Erickson’s The Art of Living According to Joe Beef (2011 Ten Speed Press).