Add yeast to a measuring cup and add 6 teaspoons of warm water, mix. Allow yeast to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If using quick rise yeast, add skip the above step and add the 2 Tablespoons warm water to the quick rise yeast and allow to sit for 5 minutes.

Add to stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl, add yeast, 2 Tablespoons warm water (if using active dry yeast), milk, shortening, butter and egg and blend for 30 seconds with beater attachment, or until ingredients are combined. then, add sugar, salt and half of the flour. Mix on low seeped until combined. Add the rest of the flour and mix at a low speed until all flour has combined. Remove the beater attachment and add the dough hook and beat on a medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl (and is smooth), about 5 to 7 minutes. If the dough is too wet, add more flour, a 1/2 tablespoon at a time. Remove dough from stand mixer bowl and place in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp paper towel and place in a warm spot to rise for an hour and a half or until doubled in size. (I used the proofing feature in my oven and sometimes I use my back porch if it's warm enough outside, the cooler it is, the longer it may take for the dough to rise.)

Heat the oil in a French oven or large heavy bottomed pot until it reaches 350 degrees F.

Prep a baking sheet with flour. Add flour to a cutting board or pastry board and place dough on it. Using your hands, flatten the dough until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out 3-inch pieces with a cookie or biscuit cutter. Place on the floured baking sheet and cover with a tea towel. Allow the dough to rise once again for 15 minutes.

Prep a baking sheet lined with foil and place a cooling rack on top. Place doughnuts into oil, about 4 at a time. Cook about 40 seconds to a minute on each side. Remove from oil and add to the cooling rack. Allow to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before adding the toppings. While they are cooling, you can work on the toppings.

Melt butter in a non-stick pan on medium low heat. Add brown sugar and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on medium heat. Add bananas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until browned to your preference. Remove and place on a plate and allow to cool.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, add butter and cream cheese. Mix until blended with an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar 1/3 cup at a time and mix until combined. Add milk and mix until smooth, about 2 minutes on medium speed.

Place donuts on a platter or plates. Place cream cheese icing in a decorator bag fitted with a coupler and a round tip or spread cream cheese icing with a butter knife or offset spatula on top of each doughnut. The same for the nutella if you're using that. Add two to three grilled bananas on top of each doughnut and sprinkle with brown sugar (if not using nutella). Serve immediately.