French Crullers

Ingredients

• Servings: 18
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 4 tablespoons shortening
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons cream
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

• put 4 tablespoons sugar, salt, shortening and orange rind in saucepan with 1 cup hot water. bring to a boil. mix in 1 cup of flour. cook until thick, stirring constantly. remove from heat, and cool slightly. beat in one egg at a time, beating each one in thoroughly before adding another.
• using a rose tip, press dough through pastry bag, in desired shape, onto a well-greased square of heavy paper. turn paper upside down and let crullers drop into deep, hot fat (375 degrees f - 190 degrees c). fry until well puffed up and golden brown in color, about 6 to 7 minutes. drain on unglazed paper. ice with confectioners' frosting.
• to make frosting: cream 1 1/2 tablespoons shortening and continue creaming while slowly adding sugar. add cream, salt, and vanilla and mix smooth.