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1
Combine the first measure of all purpose flour and the yeast in a large mixing bowl.
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2
Heat the milk, granulated sugar, shortening and salt in a saucepan, stirring constantly, until warm (115-120F) and the shortening is almost melted.
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3
Add to the flour mixture.
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4
Add the eggs.
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5
Beat with an electric mixer at low speed for 1/2 minute, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
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6
Beat at high speed for 3 minutes.
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7
Stir in as much of the second measure of all purpose flour as you can with a spoon.
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8
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
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9
Knead in enough of the remaining all purpose flour to make a moderately soft, smooth, elastic dough (3-5 minutes total).
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10
Shape into a ball.
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11
Place in a lightly greased bowl.
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12
Turn the dough to grease the outer surface.
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13
Cover.
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14
Let rise in a warm place until doubled (45-60 minutes).
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15
Punch down.
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16
Divide dough in half.
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17
Cover.
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18
Rest 10 minutes.
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19
Roll each half out to a 1/2-inch thickness.
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20
Cut with a floured 2-1/2-inch biscuit cutter, pressing straight down and not twisting.
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21
Reroll and cut the trimmings.
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22
Cover.
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23
Let rise in a warm place until VERY LIGHT (about 30 minutes).
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24
Heat the oil in the deep fryer to 375F.
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25
Deep fry until golden (about 1 minute on each side).
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26
Drain.
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27
Use a VERY sharp knife to cut a slit in the side of each berlin.
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28
Insert 2 teaspoons of of chocolate, butterscotch or other flavored filling using either a spoon or a writing tip on a pastry bag.
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29
Roll in sifted powdered sugar.
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30
Filling: Both are prepared the same way except the butterscotch uses no chocolate and replaces the granulated with brown sugar.
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31
Combine the sugar with the flour and salt in a saucepan.
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32
Add the milk and chocolate.
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33
Cook, stirring, over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
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34
Cook, stirring, 2 minutes longer.
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35
Gradually stir half the mixture into the beaten egg.
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36
Return to the hot mixture in the pan.
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37
Cook, stirring, until just bubbly.
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38
Remove from the heat.
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39
Stir in the butter and vanilla.
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40
Cover with plastic wrap.
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41
Cool without stirring.
