Portzelky - New Years Cookies ( Fritters)

Portzelky is a traditional Mennonite food served on New Years Day. They are deep fried raisin fritters. Very good dipped in sugar or coated with icing sugar.

Portzelky


3 cups milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
6 eggs
2 tablespoons instant yeast
1 and 1/2 cups raisins
6 and 1/2 cups flour aproximately ( more or less to make a very stiff batter )
Warm milk to lukewarm temperature. Place in large mixing bowl and add the sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Beat together well. Add the yeast and beat again. Now stir in the raisins. Stir in the flour cup by cup mixing with strong wooden spoon. The batter should be stiff, firm and somewhat sticky.
Let rise in warm place for 25 minutes.
Deep fry with oil in deep fat fryer. Drop by tablespoons into the hot oil and fry turning over once during frying time. Fry till done - a nice golden brown. Always be very careful when using hot oil.
Serve dipped in a bit of granulated sugar. Some people use icing sugar. You can put 1/2 cup icing sugar into a paper or plastic bag. Add several of the portzelky and shake to coat with icing sugar. Also very good that way.