1. Place the milk in the bowl of a standing mixer.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk to combine.
3. Whisk in the egg yolks and the sugar.
4. Add the flour, salt and fennel. Use the mixer’s hook to combine for one minute until a rough dough forms, and then add the butter.
5. Beat until combined and uniform and round into a single large ball.
6. Place in a greased bowl and let rise for about an hour.
7. Roll out until the dough is 1 inch thick and cut using a doughnut cutter (or glass, jar, etc.)
8. Let rise again.
9. Fry in oil at 350 degrees for about 2 minutes on each side
10. Roll finished doughnuts in sugar (optional)

Whipped Lemon Creme Fraiche

1. Place the creme fraiche and zest in the bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment and whip until medium peaks are achieved.