Classic Long Johns

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 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, 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 down dough; divide in half. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll each half into a 12x6-in. rectangle. Cut each portion into twelve 3x2-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, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from 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.