Apple Cider Donuts

1 cup apple cider
1 cug sugar
1/4 cup shortening
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
veg oil for frying

Boil 1 cup cider till cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup.  (8-10 minutes time)  Cool.

Large bowl - beat sugar and shortening until smooth.  Mix in eggs and then add buttermilk and cooled cider. 

Medium bowl - stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.  Add to wet ingredients and mix well. 

Transfer dough to a lightly floured board and pat to 1/2 inch thickness.  Cut with a 3 inch donut cutter; re-roll donut holes and scraps and keep making donuts. 

Refrigerate formed donuts on baking sheets for 20 minutes - to firm dough before frying. 

Add enough oil to fill a deep (3 inch at least!) pan; heat to 375. 

Fry several donuts at a time, turning, till browned and cooked through - about 4 minutes. 

Place on papertowels to drain, then....

Gently roll (coat) donuts in cinnamon/sugar mixture and place on wire rack to finish cooling. 

Best enjoyed when warm and fresh.