Nana's Fastnachts
Description
Fastnachts are deep-fried doughnut-like treats that are traditionally made to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Serve plain or with a light dusting of sugar.
Ingredients
•
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
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2 cups milk
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon white sugar
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3 eggs, beaten
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1 cup white sugar
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1/4 cup melted margarine or butter
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
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confectioners' sugar for dusting
Directions
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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.