Valentine's Treat

I actually made these last weekend but our computer has been out of commission for a bit and I couldn't post. So I present to you delicious Sweet Potato Donuts with Maple Icing for your possible consumption.

My dad has given his fryer a permanent home at our house so I decided to finally utilize it.
I thought we would use a heart to cut out the center instead of the usual circle to give it a little Valentines pizazz. They were really easy to make and super good. They're healthy too because they're made with sweet potatoes, right?

She approves.

A note for those who think they can substitute maple syrup for the maple extract in the icing. DON'T! I didn't have any extract so I thought I'd throw in some syrup for the maple flavor. It turned out terrible! So, for the donuts I hadn't already drenched in icing we ended up using powdered sugar instead. Those were fabulous. Do that instead if you don't have any extract.

Sweet Potato Donuts with Maple Icing
Courtesy Paula Deen

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium)
oil, for frying
Maple Icing, recipe follows

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, and sweet potato. Gradually add flour mixture, stirring to combine. Turn dough out onto a heavily floured surface. Knead in flour with hands as needed (dough will be sticky). Roll our dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out dough with a 2 1/4 inch round cutter. Cut out center of donuts with a 3/4 inch round cutter. Re-Roll dough as needed.

Heat oil over medium heat to 360 degrees F. Cook donuts, in batches, 2 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels. Ice top of donuts with Maple Icing, and sprinkle with chopped pecans (optional).

Maple Icing:

2 2/3 cups confectioner's sugar
3 to 4 Tbsp milk
1/4 tsp maple extract

In a small bowl, combine confectioner's sugar and milk, stir well. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. Stir in maple extract.

Yield: 1 cup icing