Heart-Shaped Fried Donuts with Berry Filling

For the Donuts:

1. Add the flour, yeast, 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, milk, and butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment. Mix on low speed for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the salt and vanilla and knead on medium speed for 10 minutes. The dough will be soft and sticky.
3. Transfer the dough to a separate greased bowl, cover with kitchen plastic and a towel, and allow to rise in a dark, warm place for 2 hours.
4. Once the dough has risen and doubled in size, lightly roll it over a floured surface to a 1/2 inch thick rectangle.
5. Cut heart shapes with a cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet or pan lined with parchment paper. (Do not re-roll dough cutouts; instead, cut into smaller pieces to rise and fry later).
6. Cover the heart donuts (and leftover pieces, if using) with kitchen plastic and a towel and allow to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
7. Once the donuts have risen, heat the oil in a large pot (there should be 2-3 inches high of oil) to 350°F.
8. Cut the parchment paper with the donuts on it into squares. Carefully place one or two donuts at a time (with the parchment squares intact) into the hot oil. Remove the parchment and fry each side of the donut hearts to a dark golden color, then place on a cooling rack or paper towel.
9. While the fried donuts are still warm, dip them in sugar, fill, and enjoy.

For the Berry Filling:

1. Combine the washed, dried, and hulled berries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely before filling donuts.