Spiced Cake Doughnuts

I made these for family night the other night and they were a HIT! I think I am going to make them again on Halloween night. Perfect for fall...they melt in your mouth!

1/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
(Blend together) Add:
3 eggs, beaten
1 t. vanilla

In a separate bowl, combine these dry ingredients:
5 c. flour
1 T. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg

Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture and alternately add:
1/2 c. buttermilk

When all is well mixed, stir in:
1 c. apple, peeled, cored and grated

Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours. Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness and cut with doughnut cutter. Fry doughnuts and doughnut holes in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Frost with caramel frosting (recipe below):

CARAMEL GLAZE:
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
3 T. butter
1/4 c. whipping cream
1 3/4 c. powdered sugar

In saucepan, bring brown sugar and butter to a boil. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes. Stir in whipping cream until well mixed. Whisk in powdered sugar a little at a time. Dip warm doughnuts in glaze. Can add sprinkles if desired.