And tomorrow we fast

Fat Tuesday. Fastnacht Day. Today. A tradition carries on. This PA Dutch tradition features these yummy deep fried mashed potato donuts bathed in sugar, confectioner's or granulated and savored on the day before Lent. The women would use up all the lard, butter, sugar, potatoes and goodness in their cupboards before fasting begins. And we are so lucky to have special friends that prepare (and deliver) a bag full of these crispy flavorful morsels to our door each year! Matt is happy to share his recipe. I'm happy to sit and savor these guiltfree donuts along with a smooth oolong tea. Fastnacht is  German for 'night before the fast'. And tomorrow we fast.

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.