Baptist cakes Recipe - Los Angeles Times

Ingredients

• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons shortening, melted and cooled slightly
• 8 to 9 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 gallon peanut or vegetable oil for frying