New Year's Cookies

New Year's cookies are a favorite of mine, though they aren't what you would call healthy.  They are a traditional Mennonite dish served with farmer sausage.  

Ingredients

2 packages dry yeast

2 cups warm water

8 tsp. sugar

6 cups flour, divided

1 3/4 cup milk (scalded and cooled)

2 tbsp vinegar

2 tsp salt

5 eggs

1 lb. raisins

2 tsp baking powder

Directions

Soften yeast in 2 cups water and 8 tsp. sugar.  Let stand 15 minutes.  Then mix in 2 cups flour to make a sponge.  Now let this rise in a warm place.  When light, add all other ingredients and the remaining 4 cups flour, or enough to make stiff batter.  Let rise until doubled and fry in deep fryer.

Dip into regular or icing sugar and eat.