Faschnachts are donuts by another name

Faschnachts are a type of donut particular to this time of year, the Tuesday before Lent begins. It's a Pennsylvania Dutch thing, so while most of my neighbors were sleeping this Sunday morning, I went to the Trexlertown Fire Company, not far from my house and joined many other volunteers in their annual donut fry.





While I did not memorize the industrial size recipe used at the Fire House, (they made over 4000 dozen this year) I do have a potato donut recipe to share from "The Donut Book" by Sally Steinberg. Just be forewarned, once you make your own donuts, that Dunkin' place will never be the same.



Ok, here's the recipe: combine 3 1/2 cups flour, 4 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 3 tbsp. melted butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 cups fresh boiled potatoes (mashed), 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 cup milk. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until combined. Chill dough for 1 hour, then roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. fry in oil at 375 degrees, then drain in paper towels. Top with cinnamon sugar.



Trexlertown Fire Company....faschnachts!

After you've enjoyed your faschnachts, why don't you find a fire company or other deserving community group that you can give some time to in your home town. Non-profit groups are always looking for volunteers. Hospitals, Homeless Shelters, Churches, Synagogues, you name it. Hey, you might earn some points with the big guy upstairs or better yet, you may just be happy as a result of your good works.



Chefs catalogue...great resource