Raised Yeast Fastnacht Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 1 cake yeast
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 4 scant cups sifted flour
• ½ cup shortening
• 3/8 cup sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 5 cups or more flour
• Oil for frying

Method

1. 1 Soak yeast in lukewarm water for 20 minutes, then mix with flour to form a thick batter.
2. 2 Cover the sponge and let it rise overnight in a warm place until doubled in size.
3. 3 Cream shortening, sugar, and salt, then mix into the risen sponge along with beaten eggs and nutmeg.
4. 4 Stir in flour to form a soft dough, then let rise until doubled; optionally stir down and rise again.
5. 5 Roll dough to 1/3 inch thickness, cut into shapes, and let rise until doubled.
6. 6 Fry in oil at 375°F until golden brown.