How to Make Nana's Fastnachts - A Step-by-Step Guide

There are certain recipes that hold a special place in our hearts, passed down through generations and cherished for their delicious taste and the memories they bring with them. Nana's Fastnachts is one such recipe, a beloved tradition in many families, especially around the time of Mardi Gras. These sweet, fried treats are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty, and are a staple on Fat Tuesday, when indulging in rich, decadent foods before the start of Lent is a time-honored tradition.

Nana'...

Read more

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup melted margarine or butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
  • confectioners' sugar for dusting (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hrs
  • Servings: 60
  • Yield: 5 dozen

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

    107 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 10mg
    • Sodium: 74mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Calcium: 14mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 35mg