While Fat Tuesday or the advent of Mardi Gras is originally associated with New Orleans, the truth is that Fat or Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the Lenton season, is observed by many people all over, of both the Catholic and some Protestant denominations. This day encourages everyone to eat all the goodies they can because tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, a day of atonement for Christians. Then the Lenten season starts where Christians try to give up worldly goods or bad behaviors. (too bad this isn't observed every day all year round!)
OK, enough of the history lesson! In my area of northeastern PA, there are a lot of Catholics and Protestants that observe this. So today around here is also known as Donut Day, with many churches doing homemade potato donuts as a fundraiser. They are awesome, although I make my own and they are a good way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
PA DUTCH POTATO DONUTS
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 cups mashed potatoes or riced potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- lard for deep-fat frying (you can use oil or fat, but lard gives the best flavor)
- 2 cups sugar mixed with 1 tbs cinnamon ( after the donuts are out and cooled a little, roll in this mix)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, milk, eggs and butter. Combine the sugar, baking powder and 2 cups flour; stir into potato mixture. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Divide dough in half.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll each half to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a 2-3/4-in. doughnut cutter.
- In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat lard to 375°. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
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