Classic Long Johns

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half cream
• 1/8 teaspoon maple flavoring
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. 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).
2. 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 with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. 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
4. . Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
5. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375u0b0. Fry long johns, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
6. 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.
7. 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.

active dry yeast, warm water, cream, sugar, shortening, egg, salt, ground nutmeg, flour, brown sugar, butter, cream, maple, sugar, chocolate, butter, sugar, boiling water, vanilla

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/classic-long-johns/ (may not work)