Toutons (Newfoundland Fried Bread Dough with Molasses)

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or oil, for frying
• Fancy molasses, for serving
• Extra butter, for serving

Before you cook

• Stir the yeast and sugar into the lukewarm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Warm the milk gently so it is lukewarm, not hot.

Steps

1. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Pour in the yeast mixture and the warm milk.
3. Mix and knead the dough for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 90 minutes, or until doubled.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 pieces of about 2 ounces each.
6. Flatten each piece into a rough disc about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Lay the discs in the hot skillet without crowding the pan.
9. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden and the dough has puffed.
10. Flip and fry the other side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden throughout.
11. Transfer the toutons to a plate and split each one open while hot.
12. Drizzle generously with molasses and a pat of butter before serving.