2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
1/3 cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 tablespoons hot water or as needed
Krud Kutter All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser
Clean dish rag

1. In a large bowl, gently mix the yeast into the warm water, and let it stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Add in the milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix for a few minutes at low speed, or stirring with a wooden spoon. Beat in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, flip over and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a floured donut cutter and space them out on the floured cutting board. Let dough rise again until double, covered lightly with a tea towel or loose cloth.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.
5. Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slide donuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn donuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry donuts on each side until golden brown. Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Dip donuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to cool and drain off excess.
6. Once food has been moved, spray a few pumps of Krud Kutter All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser on your food prep area. Let the solution sit for approximately 1 minute, then wipe with a clean dish rag.