Grandma Sallie’s Fastnacthts

Grandma Sallie’s Fastnacthts

The day before Ash Wednesday is known by many names: Fat Tuesday, Mardis Gras or Doughnut Day. In German and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions it’s known as Fastnacht Day. My great-grandmother would keep a kettle of fat on the stove all day to make tasty doughnut-like confections on demand for friends and family that would stop by.

Cook Time

Prep time:
Cook time:
Ready in:
Yields: About 30

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs, well beaten
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 3-1/2 cups flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 can Crisco
  • powdered sugar

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light. Add milk and cooled shortening and beat very well.
  2. Add flour, sifted with salt, baking powder and nutmeg. Mix until smooth. Chill several hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat fat to 375 degrees.
  4. Roll 1/4″ thick on floured surface and cut into strips approximately 1-1/4″ x 3″. Twist and drop into hot fat. Flip after a minute or two and remove when golden brown.
  5. Drain and allow to cool on brown paper or paper towels.
  6. Dust with powdered sugar.