It's Fastnacht Day!

Also known as Fat Tuesday, we celebrated fastnacht day in style this year with homemade fastnachts thanks to a special friend of the family. This Pennsylvania Dutch tradition was meant to use up all the fat in the house before Lent. A German word, Fastnacht means 'night before the fast'. You will find as much variety in the spelling of Fastnacht as you will in the recipes. Although they are typically heavy yeast-raised doughnuts, this treat was created using baking powder. Traditionally, they are cut into triangles to represent the Trinity. You might also find them cut into circles without the hole in the center. They might be square too. Either way, they still are tasty. Fastnachts 2-1/2 c. mashed potatoes 1 c. milk 3 eggs, beaten 2 Tbsp. melted butter 2 c. sugar 2 Tbsp. baking powder 5 c. flour Mix all ingredients together, adding the flour slowly at the end. Divide dough in half. Roll out 1/2 inch thick and cut into triangular shapes. Deep fry in hot oil, turning once, until done. Dust with confectioner's sugar.