Easy Glazed Doughnuts

It's my first year in New Jersey, and getting to experience my first blizzard was kind of awesome! We got about 2 feet of snow, which is more then I've ever seen in Oregon..at least where I lived! The snow was so bad, both Prince Charming and I had the day off from work. So, before playing in the snow, I whipped these up.

Now, I judge a good doughnut by how it tastes the next day. Does it still have that crunch around the edges the next day? Does it still taste just as good as it did the first day? This recipe past the test! I sent a few over to my next door neighbors as well, and got a call the next day saying these were awesome! 

The best part was that it took me less then 30 minutes to put together!

Easy Glazed Doughtnuts

2 Tbls. Vinegar

6 Tbls. milk

2 Tlbs. butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup baking soda 

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

oil

Glaze

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup milk

Stir the vinegar into the milk, and let stand for a few minutes until thick. In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well blended. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture alternating with the vinegar and milk. Roll dough out on a floured surface to 1/3 inch thickness. Cut into doughnuts using a donut cutter. Let stand for about 10 minutes. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry doughnuts in the hot oil until golden, turning over once. Drain on paper towels. 

For the Glaze: In a bowl mix powdered sugar, salt, vanilla and milk together. I made mine pretty thick so the glaze didn't drip down a lot. 

Homemade Ranch Mix

This Homemade Ranch Mix is something we always have on hand here! It's so easy to make, and we usually have all the ingredients in our pantry anyway. I actually prefer this ranch mix over Hidden Valley Ranch mix, or any off brand mixes!

Here's what you'll need:
4 oz mason jar
Small bowl

Homemade Ranch Mix
makes one 4oz jar 
recipe from Country Woman Magazine

4 1/2 tsp. Parsley Flakes
1 Tbls. chives, dried
1 Tbls. Garlic powder
2 tsp. Lemon-Pepper Seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. Tarragon, dried
1 1/2 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Salt

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Transfer to a 4 oz jar. Shake well before using. Makes one jar.

For Salad Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
In a small bowl whisk the mayonnaise, buttermilk and 1 tablespoon ranch mix. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

For dip:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (8oz) cup sour cream
In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream and 2 tablespoons mix. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Homemade Laundry Soap

Nope, that's not cheese! It's Fels-Naptha soap. I'm sharing a different type of recipe with you today! Homemade Laundry Soap. I asked my Fairy Godmother if she could teach me how to make this. It's so easy and seriously costs less than $1. How can you beat that?! We've been making this soap for about a year now, and haven't missed the old store bought soaps. Do you make your own soap?

Here's what you'll need:

Cheese Grater

4 gallon bucket with lid

Wooden Spoon

Homemade Laundry Soap

makes approximately 2 gallons (64 loads) Recipe can be doubled.

Lehman's recipe

1/2 bar Fels-Naptha soap, grated

1/2 cup washing soda

1/2 borax

On your stovetop, place grated soap in a large pan with 6 cups (1 1/2 quarts) of water and heat until the soap melts.

Add washing soda and borax and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. 

Pour 4 cups hot water into a 4 gallon bucket. Add soap mixture and stir well, then add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir again until mixed well. Let soap sit for about 24 hours; it will congeal into a gel.

Stir the soap before each use. Use 1/2 cup per load (a little more or a little less depending upon how soiled your laundry is.)

Please note: This is a low-sudsing soap, so you will not see bubbles or suds in the water! Its not the suds that do the work, its the ingredients! :)

Scented soap: If desired, use 1/2-1oz essential oil or fragrance oil. DO NOT use soap scents or they ruin the batch!

My Fairy Godmother stirring the batch of soap!