Portuguese Doughnuts (Sonhos)

Steps

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter and sugar.  Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and stir in the flour.  Stir until the mixture forms a ball.  Move the batter to a medium bowl and let cool.

2. Use an electric mixer to beat in the eggs, one at a time.  Add lemon extract and a pinch of salt.

3. Fill a medium pot with about 3 inches of canola or vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 375 degrees.  See Recipe Notes below if you don't have a thermometer to check the temperature.

4. Drop the doughnut batter into the hot oil by teaspoon (no bigger than an actual teaspoon because they will puff up a lot while cooking).  You can fry about 15 doughnuts at a time.  Fry until they are lightly browned all around. Remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain.

5. Roll in sugar while the doughnuts are still warm, and serve immediately.