Fastnacht Kuchen Recipes

NANA'S FASTNACHTS

Steps:

• Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Let cool until lukewarm. In a small bowl, proof the yeast by adding the warm water to the yeast. Let stand 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl mix together the teaspoon of sugar and 3 cups of the flour. Stir in milk until smooth. Add proofed yeast and mix well. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
• Stir in beaten eggs, melted butter or margarine, one cup of sugar, salt, and enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Cover and let rise for a second time until doubled.
• Punch down dough and divide into 2 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut dough with a biscuit cutter. Make 2 slits with a sharp knife in the middle of each doughnut. Cover and let rise a third time until doubled in size.
• Deep fat fry in oil or lard for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Rotate to ensure even cooking. Drain on brown paper bags. Toss in confectioners sugar while still warm.

FLAMMKUCHEN (TARTE FLAMBEE)

Steps:

• Place 3 cups plus 3 tablespoons of flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add yeast, 3 to 4 tablespoons of the lukewarm water, and sugar into the well and stir in a small amount of flour from the sides. Set aside until mixture is frothy, about 10 minutes.
• Pour in remaining water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until everything is well combined. Add 1 teaspoon salt and knead vigorously with your hands until dough holds together as a ball.
• Loosely cover dough with a clean dish towel and let rise in a warm, dry place until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
• Prepare the topping while dough rises. Stir 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and sour cream in a bowl until smooth; season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out 2 pieces as thinly as possible into long rectangles on a large piece of parchment, so both will fit on one baking sheet. Fold the sides of the dough pieces to form a 1/4-inch edge all around. Spread cream topping evenly across the dough and top each dough piece with 1/4 of the bacon and the onion rings. Transfer the 2 flammkuchen with the parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes. Repeat with the other 2 dough pieces.

FASTNACHT KUCHEN

Steps:

• Combine the hot mashed potatoes, 1 cup of the sugar, the yeast, warm water or potato water, and 1 cup of the flour.
• Beat until smooth and let rise until dough is light and full of bubbles about an half an hour.
• Stir the mixture down and add the remaining 1 cup sugar, the warm water or scalded and cooled milk, melted butter, eggs, salt, and the remaining 6 cups flour.
• Beat together, add more flour if necessary to make a firm dough.
• Brush with butter, cover, and let rise until doubled. Punch the dough down and turn out onto a floured board. Knead lightly.
• Roll out and cut with a doughnut cutter, or cut with a knife into the traditional diamond shapes. Let sit for about 20 minutes.
• Fry in Oil at 375 degrees until browned. Roll in powdered sugar when done.
• If desired, the dough may be kept in the refrigerator for several days to be used as needed.

FASTNACHT KUECHELES RECIPE

Steps:

• - in large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar - heat milk and shortening in a saucepan until it is just lukewarm. It isn't necessary for the shortening to melt - add to dry ingredients in bowl, beat 2 min. at med. speed - add egg and 1/2 cup or more add'l flour to make thick batter. Beat at high speed for 2 min. Stir in more flour to make a soft dough, kneading lightly. Let rise for 1 hour - place dough on board and knead lightly. Roll out to 1/4 to 1/2 " thickness - cut into squares. Let stand while oil heats to 375. - pull on outside edges so dough is thinner in center. Place in oil, one at at time. Brown one side, flip and then brown other