Nanas Fastnachts Food

NANA'S FASTNACHTS

Steps:

• Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, proof the yeast by adding the warm water to the yeast. Let stand 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl mix together the teaspoon of sugar and 3 cups of the flour. Stir in milk until smooth. Add proofed yeast and mix well. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
• Stir in beaten eggs, melted butter or margarine, one cup of sugar, salt, and enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Cover and let rise for a second time until doubled.
• Punch down dough and divide into 2 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut dough with a biscuit cutter. Make 2 slits with a sharp knife in the middle of each doughnut. Cover and let rise a third time until doubled in size.
• Deep fat fry in oil or lard for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Rotate to ensure even cooking. Drain on brown paper bags. Toss in confectioners sugar while still warm.

FASTNACHTS, PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH

Steps:

• Prepare 1 cup freshly riced potatoes.
• Beat well 2 eggs.
• Add very slowly, beating constantly, 2/3 cup sugar.
• Stir in potatoes and 1 cup buttermilk or yogurt, and 2 tblspns melted butter.
• Sift before measuring 4 cups all-purpose flour.
• Resift w/ 2 tspns double acting baking powder, 1 tspn baking soda, 2/3 tspn salt, and 1/3 tspn nutmeg or cinnamon.
• Stir in sifted ingredients into potato/egg mixture until blended.
• Chill dough until easy to handle.
• Roll out to 1/2 inch thick and cut.
• Cook in oil at 375º F.
• It's easiest to add them to the oil w/ a pancake flipper.
• Flip as soon as brown on one side.
• Takes about 3 minutes to cook one fastnacht.