Drop Doughnuts

 Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in medium bowl. In separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, eggs, and nutmeg together until smooth, then whisk in milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture with wooden spoon until evenly combined. (Batter can be refrigerated for up to 12 hours.)

 Add oil to Dutch oven until it measures about 1½ inches deep and heat over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Using small ice cream scoop or 2 large spoons, carefully spoon 6 golf ball–size batter portions into hot oil. Fry doughnuts until crisp and deeply browned on all sides, 3 to 6 minutes. Adjust burner, if necessary, to maintain oil temperature between 325 and 350 degrees.

 Using wire skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to prepared sheet and let drain. Repeat with remaining batter in 3 batches. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.