Elephant Ears

Directions

1. 1
   Heat milk with butter until butter melts.
2. 2
   Set aside to cool to lukewarm.
3. 3
   Stir yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar into warm water and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. 4
   In a large bowl, combine milk and yeast mixtures with 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, and nutmeg.
5. 5
   Stir until smooth.
6. 6
   Cover and let stand until bubbly, 30 minutes.
7. 7
   Stir in beaten eggs, then add additional flour to make a soft but not sticky dough.
8. 8
   Turn dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth, supple, and elastic, about 8 minutes.
9. 9
   Return dough to bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until dough is doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
10. 10
    Punch down and divide into 4 pieces.
11. 11
    Divide each piece into 4 or 5 pieces.
12. 12
    Put several inches of oil in a large, deep pan such as a chicken fryer or heavy dutch oven.
13. 13
    Heat to about 360 degrees F.
14. 14
    Work each ball of dough with the hands, shaping into a large disk, about 10 inches long and 6 inches wide.
15. 15
    Fry one at a time, turning once, until nicely browned.
16. 16
    Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar or cinnamon sugar while hot.
17. 17
    Serve at once.