Not exactly easy but soooo worth the work! I remember my mom slaving all day and making a table full of doughnuts. Here is her recipe:
Raised Potato Doughnuts
2 c milk
1 c sugar
1/2 c shortening
1/2 tsp lemon flavouring (juice)
1 c cooked mashed potato
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 packets fast rising yeast
1/4 c warm water
3 eggs lightly beaten
8 cups flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Heat milk until film forms on top (don't boil). Add sugar, shortening, salt, and potato. Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 c warm water and let stand 5-10 minutes. Add to milk/potato mixture with the eggs, lemon, and cinnamon. Add flour gradually, beating to a smooth dough with a wooden spoon. Scrape into a warm greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk. Punch down and then turn out onto a lightly floured board, roll to 1/4 inch thickness, cut with a doughnut cutter, and then let rise again until doubled. Fry in deep fat at 375 degrees, turning once. Drain and glaze or sugar as desired.
Makes 5-6 dozen