Elephant Ears

1 ½ cups milk

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons white sugar

⅜ cup shortening

2 tablespoons active dry yeast

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 quart oil for frying

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

6 tablespoons white sugar

In small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar and shortening. Heat until shortening melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm, 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Sprinkle in yeast and let sit until foamy.

Transfer mixture to large bowl, and stir in flour to make a dough. Knead until smooth, cover and let rise 30 minutes.

In a large heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat 1 inch of oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Roll out 1 to 2 inch balls of dough into thin sheets. Fry sheets 1 to 2 minutes on a side, until puffed and golden. Drain on paper towels.

Combine cinnamon and 6 tablespoons sugar. Sprinkle over warm pastries. Serve.