A Summer Recipe - Mennonite Rollkuchen

I live in a very mennonite community, and I have mennonite roots on my Mom's side of the family. My Mom, and my Mother-in-law, have taught me what I know about Mennonite cooking, and I enjoy making it for my own family.  A summer favorite around here is Watermelon & Rollkuchen (or Ra'bus in Plautdietsch/Low German).  My MIL taught me how to make it. I made it this afternoon, so I thought I would share it with my readers today!  This is by NO means a healthy recipe.. as a matter of fact, I don't think *any* of the Mennonite food that we make is calorie-wise, but it's a tradition, and a comfort food of sorts, and we love it.

Here's the recipe:
2 cups flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp salt
2 eggs
1.5 cup milk
1.5 cup cream (I use 35%)

Mix all the ingredients together (it will be sticky), and form a ball.  Knead in a bit more flour until it's no longer super sticky, but still very soft.  Flour your surface, and roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. I use a pizza cutter to cut the pieces like this:

 First in strips, then into pieces about 4 inches long or so (it really doesn't matter), then cut a little slit in the middle and flip one side through it to make the shapes above.  Twisted. :)

Fill a big pot with about 2 inches of canola oil (or use a deep fryer, I don't own one) and heat on medium.  The trick my MIL taught me is that when you place a rollkuchen in the oil, it should sink to the bottom of the pot, then rise after about 2 seconds.  If it stays at the bottom, then the oil isn't hot enough yet. (and they turn way greasier that way, too, eewww). Fry them, 4 - 6 at a time until golden, and then flip, fry until golden, and take them out with tongs.

I lightly salt them as soon as I take them out of the oil.  The salt goes so well with the watermelon. :)

Cut up your Ra'bus and enjoy the rollkuchen right away, while they're still hot.  We usually dip them in Rogers Golden Syrup, homemade strawberry jam, or gooseberry jam.

I love traditions. Thanks for letting me share this tradition with you. Happy Summer!!
xo holly