Nana's Fastnachts

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 5

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

6. 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.