The Heart-center Doughnuts

To make the heart-centered doughnuts:
Mix 1/4 cup warm water with 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast and a pinch of sugar.  Let sit about 10 minutes.  In the meantime, mix 1/2 cup warm milk, 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 2 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil, and one egg at room temperature.  When well stirred and the proofed yeast mixture then add 1 cup all-purpose flour and stir well.  Add up to 1 1/2 cups more flour until the dough is soft and not sticky.  Knead for 5-10 minutes then cover and let rise 40 minutes.  Divide into 6 or more parts and roll out about 1/2 inch thick, or more, depending on your choice of doughnut size.  Cut into the doughnut shape of your choice and fry in 375-degree oil until nicely browned on the first side then flip them to cook on the other side.  When cooked, put on paper towels to drain a moment then put 1/4 granulated sugar (or confectioner's sugar if you like a mess) into a bag and toss the doughnuts in the sugar.  If you are very lucky, you will have one, or possibly, two left for Dad when he comes home from work.  The kids really like these.

Ingredient list for a quick check to see if you have what you need:
1/4 cup warm water
2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
pinch sugar
1/2 cup warm milk
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla--I consider this optional
2 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 egg at room temperature
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, more for the roll-out board