3 to 4 c. flour
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1/4 c. butter
1 3/4 c. milk

In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, dry yeast, salt and sugar. Heat milk and shortening in a saucepan until it is just lukewarm. Add this mixture to dry ingredients in bowl, beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add egg and 1/2 cup more flour or enough to form a thick batter. Beat at high speed for 2 more minutes. Stir in enough more flour to make a soft dough, kneading lightly. Cover bowl, let rise in warm place until double in bulk, about 1 hour. Place dough on lightly floured surface; knead lightly. Roll out to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness, cut in squares. Let dough stand covered for a few minutes while you heat deep oil to 375 degrees. Fry cut squares a few at a time in the oil. Pull on the outside edges of the square so that the dough is thinner in the center before dropping into oil. Brown on one side, flip and brown other. This cooks very quickly. Drain on absorbent paper; sprinkle with confectioners sugar or cinnamon and sugar. If desired, place fastnacht kueckeles in plastic bag when cool. Reheat before serving; sprinkle with sugar. Makes about 2 dozen