Baked Cinnamon Applesauce Doughnuts

2 pk dry yeast
5-3/4 c all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 c sugar
1 ts ground cinnamon
1/2 ts ground nutmeg
1/4 c margarine, melted and divided
1 ts ground cinnamon
1/4 c warm water (105-115degrees)
1-1/4 c unsweetened applesauce
1/3 c margarine
1/2 ts salt
2 eggs
1/2 c sugar

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add 3 cups flour, applesauce, and next 6 ingredients; beat at low speed of an electric mixer until moistened. Beat at medium speed for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough.

Turn out onto a well-floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes); add enough remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Place dough in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top.

Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness; cut with a lightly floured 2 1/2 inch doughnut cutter.

Combine doughnut holes and any remaining scraps of dough; reroll to 1/2 inch thickness and cut as before. Place doughnuts on baking sheets coated with cooking spray; brush 2 tablespoons melted margarine over doughnuts. Let rise, uncovered, in a warm, draft-free place for 40 minutes.

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon in a large zip-top heavy-duty plastic bag, and set aside. Bake doughnuts at 425 degrees for 8 minutes or until golden. Immediately brush remaining 2 tablespoons melted margarine over baked doughnuts; add doughnuts to plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake to coat.
Yield: 36 servings
Wayne

http://www.nancyskitchen.com