Nana's Fastnachts

Fastnachts are deep-fried doughnut-like treats that are traditionally made to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Serve plain or with a light dusting of sugar.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 107 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• confectioners' sugar for dusting
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.25 cup melted margarine or butter

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl; let stand for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles; remove from the heat and let cool until lukewarm.

Step 3

Combine 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a large bowl; stir in lukewarm milk until smooth. Add yeast mixture and mix well; cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Stir in beaten eggs, 1 cup of sugar, melted butter, and salt; mix in enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Cover and let rise for a second time until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 5

Punch down dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface 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, about 1 hour.

Step 6

Fry doughnuts in hot oil in batches until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels or brown paper bags. Toss in confectioners sugar while still warm.