24 January 2008

Did somone say Faschnact?



It was brought to P.B.'s attention that some of my Nuts have never heard of Faschnacts! What the peanizzle? How can one go through the Lenten season without having a Faschnact? So let P.B. spread some creamy truth regarding Faschnacts.

First Faschnact Day is celebrated on "Fat Tuesday", which you might know as Mardi Gras (French), Shrove Tuesday (England), and Fasching (German) just to name a few. Many of these cultures spend the week or so before lent partying. This time is spent having a good time prior to the solomn period of Lent. And the Pennsylvania Dutch only celebrate 1 day... Faschnact Day.

What:
P.B. would like to bestow what Faschnacts are. All my nuts think doughnuts. Got that image? Now imagine doughnuts 1 Brazillion times better! In fact they are doughnuts with unleavened dough (no yeast) that are then deep fried.

Where:
It is thought that the process of making Faschnacts originated in Germany during the middle ages. Now there are many superstitions regarding why Germans ate them, but most likely the truth surrounds the Lenten festival. Faschnacts were a way for families to use up the sugar and lard from the home before the Lenten festival and the fasting from sweets begins.

How:
Most do not use yeast and are supposed to be traditionally square or triangular (4 gospels or Holy Trinity). Although, many have gone to the traditional shape of the doughnut (round with a hole). So here is a recipe to follow and if any of you Nuts would like P.B. to order a dozen or so let her know. She will be glad to get some. In fact, they freeze well and make a wonderful treat mid summer.

Fashnachts
2 ½ cups hot mashed potatoes
1 cup milk
3 beaten eggs
2 Tablespoons melted butter
2 cups sugar
2 Tablespoons baking powder
5 cups flour

Mix everything together except flour. Mix flour in slowly.Divide the dough in half. Roll ½ inch thick. Cut with a donut cutter or use a knife to cut into triangular shaped pieces. Deep fry in hot fat or oil until done. Serve with sugar or molasses. (P.B. prefers sugar).






When:
February 5, 2008 It is always the day before Ash Wednesday, day prior to Lent, end of Mardi Gras... P.B. hopes you get the picture.


6 comments:

Lil' Shady said...

You are a creamy source of educationalness! (Shady is striving to reform the English language as well).

Anonymous said...

we shuld try and make them some timec

Lil' Shady said...

Shady had a delayed reaction as to the total creaminess of a mashed potatoes fried food combo! I think the addes pics helped! Where can I get these?

P.B. Smooth said...

P.B. will be certain to obtain a dozen for you. She has already pre-ordered 6 dozen and Shady is included in the count!

Lil' Shady said...

P.B. lives up to her smooth operator rep again! As long as it is no grind for you! I think they will become my new PBJ! Thanks!

P.B. Smooth said...

No Grind Shady. It is already an after thought.