1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 pkg. yeast (or equivalent)
1/4 cup warm water with 1 tsp. sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. each: salt, cinnamon, lemon peel
2 eggs
1 cup chopped apples
2/3 cup raisins
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Scald milk; add butter and the 1/4 cup sugar to milk and stir until butter is melted. Set aside to cool.

In large bowl, combine the yeast and water with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes and then mix with cooled milk.

Mix the flour, salt, cinnamon and lemon peel. Add flour mixture to the liquid mixture and blend well.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in apples and raisins. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size; about 1 1/4 hours.

Drop by tablespoons into 370°F hot oil. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Serve warm with steaming mugs of chocolate milk, coffee, tea, or warm apple cider.