Spiced Cider Doughnuts

1. In a large bowl, stir together 1 3/4 cups of the flour, the yeast, and chile powder or cardamom. In a medium saucepan heat and stir the next six ingredients (through salt) just until warm (120-130 degrees F) and butter almost melts. Add cider mixture and eggs to flour mixture. Stir to combine. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can. 2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total; dough will be slightly sticky). Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface of dough. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (1 to 1 1/2 hours). 3. Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly flour it. 4. Roll each dough half until 1/2 inch thick. Cut dough with a 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter, dipping it into flour between cuts. Reroll scraps as needed. Place doughnuts and doughnut holes on prepared baking sheet. Cover with a light kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until double in size (45 to 60 minutes). 5. In a 3-quart heavy saucepan, heat 1 1/2 inches oil over medium to 365 degrees F. (If using an electric deep-fat fryer, follow manufacturer's directions.) Fry doughnuts, two or three at a time, about 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. (To prevent doughnuts from absorbing too much oil, it is important to maintain oil temperature at 365 degrees F. Use a deep-fry thermometer to check oil temperature.) Remove doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining doughnuts and holes. 6. Dip tops of doughnuts and holes in Spiced Glaze. Let stand until glaze is set. If desired, sprinkle with additional chile powder or cardamom. SPICED GLAZE: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon chile powder or ground cardamom. Stir in enough milk (2 to 3 tablespoons) to make an icing of thin consistency.