Fastnacht Donuts

Today is Fasnacht Day in my area.  Fasnacht Day is an annual Pennsylvania Dutch celebration that falls on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

It’s not to late to make your donuts.

 

Fastnacht (Fat Tuesday) Donuts
Makes about 60

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon white sugar
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cups milk

3 eggs beaten
1/4 cup melted margarine
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 – 4 cups flour

Oil for frying
2 cups confectioners sugar
6 tablespoons milk

 

In a small bowl, proof the yeast by adding it to warm water. Let it stand 10 minutes

Warm the milk in a saucepan until it bubbles. Remove from heat and let it cool until warm

In a large bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon sugar and 3 cups of flour.

Stir in milk until smooth

Add proofed yeast and mix well

Cover and let rise until it has doubled in size. About 40 minutes

 

Stir in eggs, margarine, 1 cup of sugar, salt and flour. Start with 3 cups and add more until the dough gets stiff.

Cover and let rise again until it has doubled in size. About 40 minutes

 

Punch down the dough and divide in half.

Working with half at a time, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/2 inch thick.

Cut the dough with a pizza wheel into approximately 2 inch donuts.

Cover and let rise for the final time until doubled in size

 

Preheat oil to 350 degrees

Cut a slit in the center of each donut, I used kitchen scissors, and shape before placing in oil

Fry 2-3 minutes per side. I used wooden skewers to easily flip donuts

When they are a golden color, cool on racks over paper towels

 

Mix confectioners sugar with milk until smooth

Using a basting brush, coat donuts with glaze and cool

 

Enjoy!

 

What does Fasnacht Day mean?

Fasnacht Day is an annual Pennsylvania Dutch celebration that falls on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

The word translates to “Fasting Night” in English.

The tradition is to eat the very best foods, which are part of the German tradition, and lots of it, before the Lenten fast.