Crab Doughnuts Recipes

Steps:

• To make crab claws: Slice a small V out of the face of each gummy fish.
• To make crab feet: Slice the red licorice lace into six 1/2-inch pieces.
• Put the red melting candy and vegetable shortening in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until completely melted.
• Using a wooden skewer, dip the glazed doughnut hole into the bowl of melted candy to thoroughly coat; transfer to a piece of parchment paper. Let set and then dip again and return to the parchment paper. Place 2 small candy eyeballs on top of the doughnut hole while the melted candy is still wet. Let set, about 5 minutes.
• Use the wooden skewer to poke 3 holes into each side of the doughnut hole where the back feet would go; insert the licorice lace pieces into the holes. Use the skewer to make holes on each side of the front of the doughnut hole where claws would go. Dip the tails of the gummy fish in the melted candy and insert them into the holes. Let set, about 5 minutes.

Steps:

• First, make the dough. Gently warm the butter with the milk in a small saucepan over a low heat until the butter has just melted (but don't let the milk boil).
• Put the flour, sugar, yeast, egg and 1/ 2 tsp salt in a freestanding mixer with dough hook attachment. While the machine runs on a slow speed, pour in the warm milk and butter. Knead for 5 mins until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. Using floured hands, transfer to a lightly floured bowl, cover with cling film and leave in the fridge to prove overnight. (If you don't have a free-standing mixer, mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 mins until smooth.)
• To make the mayonnaise, put the egg yolk, mustard and some seasoning in a small bowl. Very slowly, drop by drop, gradually pour in the oil, whisking continuously so that the ingredients emulsify. If your mayonnaise begins to look a little thick, add a drop of water to loosen it. Add the vinegar, then season again to taste. Cover with cling film and put in the fridge. The mayonnaise and dough can be made the day before
• The next day, briefly knead the dough on a floured surface to knock out the air. Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces and shape into balls. Put on a baking tray, cover loosely with cling film and leave to prove for 3-4 hrs in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Next, prepare the crab. You need only the white leg and claw meat, but save the brown meat in the body of the crab for another time (see above). Use a sharp knife to crack open the claws and legs, and prise out all the white meat.
• Line your work surface with cling film. Tip out the crabmeat and pick through it to check for shell fragments. If there is any shell, it should get stuck to the cling film.
• Put the crabmeat in a small bowl, add the mayonnaise and lemon juice, then season to taste. Cover and put in the fridge until needed.
• Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer or large heavy-based saucepan to 180C or until a piece of bread browns in 20 secs. Working in batches, fry the doughnuts for 2-3 mins until cooked through and deep golden-brown. Drain them on kitchen paper.
• When cool enough to handle, split the doughnuts nearly in half, leaving them attached at the base (this makes them easier to eat). Fill with the crab mixture and decorate with lemon zest and microherbs or cress. For further info about how to deep-fry safely see our guide.

Steps:

• Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
• In a large bowl, mix together the yeast mixture, 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 for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until double. Dough is ready if you touch it, and the indention remains.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Let doughnuts sit out to rise again until double. Cover loosely with a cloth.
• 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.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large heavy skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slide doughnuts into the hot oil using a wide spatula. Turn doughnuts over as they rise to the surface. Fry doughnuts on each side until golden brown. Remove from hot oil, to drain on a wire rack. Dip doughnuts into the glaze while still hot, and set onto wire racks to drain off excess. Keep a cookie sheet or tray under racks for easier clean up.