Doughnut Holes with Raspberry Jam

• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Starter

1. 3/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
2. 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water
3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Dough

1. 3/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
2. 2 tablespoons milk, warmed
3. 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 3 large egg yolks
6. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
7. 3 tablespoons sugar

Jam

1. 1 pint red raspberries (12 ounces)
2. 1 1/2 cups sugar, plus more for coating
3. Vegetable oil, for frying

1. In a medium bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water. Mix in the flour. Cover with plastic and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 hour.
2. In a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook, dissolve the yeast in the milk. Add the flour, salt, egg yolks, butter, sugar and the starter and mix until the dough forms a ball. Scrape the dough into a bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 hour.
3. In a saucepan, simmer the raspberries with the 1 1/2 cups of sugar over moderate heat until thickened, about 25 minutes. Scrape the jam into a bowl and let cool for 1 hour.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured work surface, roll out the dough 1/2 inch thick. Stamp out 1-inch round doughnuts as close together as possible. Reroll the scraps and stamp out more doughnuts. Transfer the rounds to the baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth. Let stand for 15 minutes.
5. In a saucepan, heat 1 inch of oil to 325°. Fry the doughnuts until golden, 2 minutes. Drain, then roll the doughnuts in sugar. Serve hot, with the raspberry jam.