Best 2 Fastnachts Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes

In the realm of delectable pastries, the Fastnachts of Pennsylvania Dutch origin hold a cherished place. These deep-fried treats, traditionally prepared during the pre-Lenten season, are celebrated as a symbol of indulgence before the solemn period of fasting. Adorned with powdered sugar or filled with delectable fillings, Fastnachts captivate taste buds with their fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. As you embark on a culinary journey to explore the best recipe for these delightful morsels, let's delve into the history, significance, and mouthwatering flavors that make Fastnachts a cherished tradition in Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FASTNACHTS PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH STYLE

FASTNACHTS Pennsylvania Dutch style image

Pennsylvania Dutch traditional Lentin favorite. made on Fastnacht Day which is a special Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that falls on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday).

Provided by Steve P.

Categories Breads

Time 1h20m

Yield 30 donoughts

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm
1/3 cup lard (or vegetable oil)
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1 package dry yeast, dissolved in the water
3 lbs unbleached all-purpose flour (to stiffen)

Steps:

Mix together all ingredients except flour.
Gradually add flour, stirring well, using spoon until too thick.
Then use hands and start kneading, gradually adding more flour until no longer sticky.
Cover with wet cloth and let rise in warm place for about 4 hours.
Roll dough on floured board to 1/2 to 3/4-inch thickness.
Cut into rectangles about 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches.
Make hole in center.
Place on floured board and let rise about 1 hour.
Deep fry in lard or vegetable oil at 360° until golden brown.
Flip to other side and brown.
Drain on paper towels.
(Recipe can easily be doubled).
Mix some powered sugar with a bit of nutmeg.
Dust with powdered sugar/nutmeg while still warm.

FASTNACHTS, PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH

Fastnachts, Pennsylvania Dutch image

Making fastnachts on Fastnacht Day (Shrove Tuesday) is a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. They are basically a potatoe based donut. This recipe was given to me by my mother, and is very similar to the one that my Pennsylvania Dutch great grandmother used.

Provided by ztkl40a

Categories Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 6-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup potato, freshly riced
2 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup yogurt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 teaspoon salt
1/3 teaspoon nutmeg or 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps:

Prepare 1 cup freshly riced potatoes.
Beat well 2 eggs.
Add very slowly, beating constantly, 2/3 cup sugar.
Stir in potatoes and 1 cup buttermilk or yogurt, and 2 tblspns melted butter.
Sift before measuring 4 cups all-purpose flour.
Resift w/ 2 tspns double acting baking powder, 1 tspn baking soda, 2/3 tspn salt, and 1/3 tspn nutmeg or cinnamon.
Stir in sifted ingredients into potato/egg mixture until blended.
Chill dough until easy to handle.
Roll out to 1/2 inch thick and cut.
Cook in oil at 375º F.
It's easiest to add them to the oil w/ a pancake flipper.
Flip as soon as brown on one side.
Takes about 3 minutes to cook one fastnacht.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Make sure your yeast is active and fresh before using it.
Proof the yeast in warm water with a little sugar to make sure it's working properly.
Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces.
Shape the dough pieces into balls or other desired shapes.
Let the shaped dough pieces rise again until they have doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Fry the dough pieces in hot oil until they are golden brown on all sides.
Drain the fried dough pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve the fastnachts warm, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion:

Fastnachts are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a popular tradition in Pennsylvania Dutch country, and they can also be found in other parts of the United States and Canada. Fastnachts are relatively easy to make, and they can be customized to suit your own taste preferences. Whether you prefer them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cinnamon sugar, fastnachts are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.