This is from the 1981 BH&G New Cook Book. Guess “new” is relative isn’t it? I still wish I kept my original BH&G book but gave it to some organization for their yard sale. Hope this is what you remember.

Yeast Doughnuts

3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 packages active dry yeast
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs

Shortening or cooking oil for deep-fat frying
Powdered Sugar Icing or granulated sugar

In a large mixer bowl combine 1-1/2 cups of the flour and the yeast. In a saucepan heat milk, sugar, 1/4 cup shortening, and salt just till warm (115 to 120 deg.) and shortening is almost melted; stir constantly. Add to flour; add eggs. Beat at low speed of electric mixer 1/2 minute, scraping bowl often. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. Cover; let rise in a warm place till double (1 to 1-1/4 hours).

Punch down; turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Roll each half of dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a floured doughnut cutter. Cover; let rise till very light (45 to 60 minutes). Heat oil or shortening to 375 deg. Carefully add 2 or 3 doughnuts; fry about 1 minute. Turn and fry about 1 minute more; drain. Glaze with Powdered Sugar Icing or shake in a bag of granulated sugar. Makes 16 to 18.

Chocolate Yeast Doughnuts: Prepare Yeast Doughnut dough as above except add 2 squares (2 oz) semisweet chocolate, cut up, to milk mixture. Heat till chocolate melts; stir constantly. If necessary, cool till just warm (115 to 120 deg). Continue as directed. For chocolate glaze, combine 1 cup sifted powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons hot water; 1 square (1 oz) semisweet chocolate, melted; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Add some additional water, if necessary, to make of drizzling consistency.

Note: If you want the BH&G Powdered Sugar Icing recipe referred to, let me know.