Sparkling Cosmic Crisp® Apple Ornament Donuts

Directions

Before you begin the donuts, make the Cosmic Crisp® juice concentrate first. You will need it for both the donut dough and the glaze.

Special equipment:  two 6-cavity donut pans

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 6-cavity donut pans with nonstick baking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon zest. Whisk for 30 seconds to distribute the leavening.
3. In a liquid measure cup, combine the Cosmic Crisp® juice concentrate, buttermilk and vanilla.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix on medium-high until light and fluffy, 7-8 minutes. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
6. With the mixer on low, add the dry grated apple one-half of the flour mixture and then the Cosmic Crisp® juice mixture. While mixing add the remaining flour.
7.  Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and, using a large rubber spatula, fold the batter a few times to make sure the ingredients are well distributed.
8. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-close bag with a corner snipped off, and pipe into donut pan. Bake until the cake just springs back when gently touched, 12 to 114 minutes.
9. Cool donuts in pan on rack for 5 minutes, then turn out onto the rack to cool completely.
10. Dip the cooled donuts in the Cosmic Crisp® Glaze, allowing the excess glaze to drip off, then place back on rack.
11. Sprinkle immediately with the coarse sanding sugar. Let dry completely.
12. Loop the ribbons through the centers of the donuts and tie at the top into a simple bow. Hang on a table top tree to serve to guests.

Cosmic Crisp ® Juice Concentrate

Place the grated apples into the center of a large square of cheesecloth or a clean cotton kitchen towel. Over a large bowl, gather the fabric around the apple and squeeze to extract all the juice. Strain the juice to remove any stray pieces of apple; you should have about 1 cup of juice. Reserve 1/2 cup of the dry grated apple to incorporate into the donuts.

Pour the juice into a small saucepan and bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Continue to simmer briskly until reduced to about ⅔ cup, about 15-20 minutes.

Cosmic Crisp® Glaze

Makes about ¾ cup

Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.