Quick Jelly Doughnut Bites

Method

1. Choose a skillet that's at least 2 1/2 inches deep (a 10-inch electric frying pan works well). Pour in about 1 inch of vegetable oil (peanut oil is best for flavor) and start heating it to 350°F.
2. While the oil heats, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the lukewarm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla (if using) until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until you have a thick batter (it will be like a soft dough).
5. Once the oil reaches 350°F, use a tablespoon cookie scoop or a spoon to drop balls of batter into the hot oil. The dough should be about the size of an undersized ping pong ball.
6. Fry the doughnut holes for 2 minutes on the first side, until they are deep golden brown. Some may flip on their own; use tongs to turn them back if needed.
7. Turn the holes over and fry for another 2 minutes, until golden brown on the other side.
8. Transfer the fried doughnut holes to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
9. When cool enough to handle, fill them with jelly using a piping bag with a long, plain tip. If you don't have a piping bag, use a plastic condiment squeeze bottle with the tip cut off to widen it.
10. Shake the filled doughnuts gently in a bag of granulated sugar to coat. Enjoy warm, or store loosely covered at room temperature for a day.