Shenkli (Swiss Doughnuts)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter
• 3 cups sugar
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 2 lemons, zest of
• 1 teaspoon lemon flavoring (can use extract, lemon oil, True Lemon)
• 9-9 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• oil, for deep-frying

Directions

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, lemon zest, and lemon flavoring of your choice.

2. 2

   In another large mixing bowl, sift together 4 cups of the flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar.

3. 3

   Add this to the butter/sugar mixture and mix well.

4. 4

   Add the remaining flour to the dough, one cup at a time (dough should be very stiff).

5. 5

   Roll by hand into long 1-inch-thick rolls (like snakes). Cut rolls into two-inch lengths and shape like fat fingers.

6. 6

   Chill 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

7. 7

   Deep-fry chilled dough in batches in hot oil until golden brown (if using a deep-fryer, use manufacturer's suggested setting. If using a deep skillet on the stovetop, heat oil until it shimmers but doesn't smoke).

8. 8

   Drain on paper towels. Serve.

9. 9

   These can be frozen once cooled.