1 pkg. yeast
1/4 c. lukewarm water
1 3/4 c. milk, scalded & left to cool
4 egg yolks
1 whole egg
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 lb. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
7 c. flour
1 tsp. lemon or orange rind (opt.)

Dissolve yeast in water. Add milk and 2 cups flour to dissolved yeast. Beat well, set aside to rise for 30 minutes. (This is called a "sponge".)

Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, rind and salt until light and lemon colored. Add to sponge. Add melted butter and the remaining 5 cups of flour. Cover and let rise 1 hour.

Roll out on floured board 1/2 inch thick. Cut with doughnut cutter. Let rise. Deep fry in shortening until each side is brown.