Buckeye Doughnut Holes

Directions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine sugar, shortening, egg, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
2. 2

   Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. 3

   Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll to 3/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 1-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 50 minutes.
4. 4

   Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, confectioners' sugar and salt until fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Transfer filling to a pastry bag fitted with a small pastry tip; set aside. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side. Drain on paper towels; cool.
5. 5

   Cut a small slit with a sharp knife on bottom of each doughnut. Fill each doughnut with peanut butter filling.
6. 6

   Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Dip doughnuts in ganache, filled side down, leaving tops uncovered. Let stand until set. Refrigerate leftovers.