Spoon yeast into warm water, allow to proof in warm environment (approximately 5 minutes)
In small pan, scald milk. Remove from heat by pouring it into a bowl. Add sugar then sal
Add in yeast, and eggs
Sift in 5 cups flour, and shortening. Combine
Add in 4 cups of flour, mix and then knead in remaining flour
Continue kneading until dough is light and easily manageable. (I love using my Pro-series KitchenAid mixer for this process)
Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and leave in a warm place to rise until doubled (approximately 2 hours) A warm microwave is great for this. Don't run the microwave - just leave the dough inside it.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out until it's approximately half an inch thick. Cut out doughnuts
Place cut doughnutd on baking trays or onto clean countertop. Cover and allow to rise until doubled again. Approximately an hour.
Heat grease in fryer to 350°
Fry doughuts until brown on both sides (This can happen really quickly!)
Remove from oil, and place on wire rack (with paper towles beneath) to drain and cool.