Sweet Vanilla Bombolinis

1.In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast (1 tablespoon). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

2.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar (¼ cup), and salt (½ teaspoon).

3.Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs (2 large), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

4.Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6.Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

7.Place the dough balls on a floured surface, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

8.In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

9.Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

10.Remove the bombolinis from the oil and drain on paper towels.

11.Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill each bombolini with vanilla custard (1 cup).

12.Dust the filled bombolinis with powdered sugar before serving.