Lithuanian Splurge before Lent Is Doughnuts Known as Spurgos

Name: Lithuanian Splurge before Lent Is Doughnuts Known as Spurgos
Cuisine: European, Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups milk (scalded); 3 tablespoons butter (softened); 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 package/2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (active dry); 1/4 cup water (lukewarm, not warmer than 110 F); 2 large eggs (room temperature, beaten); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons rum (or brandy); 3 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose); 1 cup raisins, (light or dark, or 1 peeled and cored, chopped apple); 6 cups cooking oil for deep frying; Optional: sugar (confectioners' or granulated)