CLASSIC LONG JOHNS

Classic Long Johns image

Provided by Chrystal Cackler @journeyrock92

Number Of Ingredients 22

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2 package(s) (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup(s) warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup(s) half and half
1/4 cup(s) sugar
1/4 cup(s) shortening
1 - egg
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground nutmeg
3-3 1/2 cup(s) all purpose flour
- oil for deep fat frying
FOR THE MAPLE FROSTING
1/4 cup(s) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoon(s) butter
1 tablespoon(s) half and half cream
1/8 teaspoon(s) maple flavoring
1 cup(s) powdered sugar
FOR THE CHOCOLATE FROSTING
2 ounce(s) semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoon(s) butter
1 cup(s) powdered sugar
2 tablespoon(s) boiling water
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the cream, sugar, shortening, egg, salt, nutmeg and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; divide in half. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll each half into a 12-in. x 6-in. rectangle. Cut into 3-in. x 2-in. rectangles. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry long johns, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
For maple frosting, combine brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in cream and maple flavoring. Add the confectioners' sugar; beat for 1 minute or until smooth. Frost cooled long johns. For chocolate frosting, in a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread over cooled long johns; let stand until set.