Fried Cakes. Mrs. J. C. Johnstone. Recipe

Fried cakes, also known as donuts or doughnuts, have a rich history and are loved by people of all ages. The origins of fried cakes can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were often made by mixing together basic ingredients and frying them in hot oil.

Fun fact: Did you know that the first recorded recipe for fried cakes can be found in an 1803 cookbook called "American Cookery" by Amelia Simmons? Since then, numerous variations of the recipe have evolved, with each region and culture adding its own unique twist.

Now, let's delve into the recipe for Mrs. J. C. Johnstone's Fried Cakes:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- 1 small teaspoon of lard
- 1 cup of sweet milk
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoons of baking powder

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ginger, and sugar. Mix them together well.
2. Add the lard to the mixture and using your fingers, rub it into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add them to the mixture, along with the sweet milk.
4. Gradually add the baking powder to the mixture, stirring continuously until it is well combined. The dough should be soft and pliable.
5. Sprinkle some flour onto a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough gently, adding more flour as needed, until it is smooth and no longer sticky.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch and cut out the shapes with a donut cutter, making sure each donut has a hole in the center.
7. Heat a large pot or deep fryer with lard or vegetable oil to about 375°F (190°C).
8. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, cooking just a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot.
9. Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon to flip them over gently.
10. Once cooked, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11. Allow the donuts to cool slightly before serving.

These fried cakes are best enjoyed fresh and warm. They can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or icing for added sweetness.

Similar recipe suggestions:
- If you prefer a richer and denser texture, you can try making cake donuts by substituting some of the flour with cake flour or adding melted butter to the dough.
- For a more decadent treat, you can fill the donut holes with your favorite jam or chocolate spread before frying them.
- If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and aromatic taste.

Remember, the possibilities with fried cakes are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to this classic recipe. Enjoy!