donuts

1. In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast and milk. Stir together briefly, then let sit for about 1 minute to dissolve the yeast.
2. Add the flour, ? cup of the sugar, the salt, and the eggs and mix on low speed for about 1 minute, or until the dough comes together. Then, still on low speed, mix for another 2 to 3 minutes to develop the dough further.
3. Next, begin to add the butter, a few pieces at a time, and continue to mix for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is soft and cohesive.
4. Remove the dough from the bowl, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 15 hours.
5. Lightly flour two baking sheets. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch by 9-inch rectangle about ½” inch thick. Using a 3½” to 4″ round biscuit cutter, cut 12 donuts. You may need to re-roll out the dough to get 12.
6. Arrange them on the prepare baking sheets and cover with plastic wrap.
7. Place in a warm spot to proof for 2 to 3 hours, or until they are about doubled in height.
8. When ready to fry, line a tray or baking sheet with paper towels.
9. Pour the oil to a depth of about 3 inches into a large, heavy bottom saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees on a fry thermometer.
10. Working in batches, place the donuts in the hot oil, being careful not to crowd them. Fry them for 90 seconds to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
11. Gently flip and fry them for another 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the donuts to the prepared tray and let cool completely until you can stuff with the curd.

lemon curd

1. Using a carrot peeler, remove the zest of one lemon in large pieces.
2. In a large bowl over a pot of boil water, combine lemon zest, sugar, butter, eggs, lemon juice and salt. Whisk together over the heat until the lemon curd will thicken and coats the back of a spoon. This will take 15-20 minutes.
3. Once thicken, discard lemon zest and strain through a fine mesh sieve.
4. Refrigerate until cool.

poppy seed frosting

1. In a small bowl, combine the frosting ingredients and whisk till smooth.

to assemble

1. Once the donuts and lemon curd are completely cool, poke a small hole in the side of each donut and create a little space in the middle of the donut for the curd.
2. Transfer the curd to a piping bag and pipe each donut with lemon curd until full.
3. Set donuts on top of a wire rack and spoon poppy seed frosting over top.
4. Let set just enough for frosting to harden and then serve. These are best served immediately after frosting.