This recipe comes from a large collection of vintage recipes ranging in dates from the 1940s through the 1980s. Recipe is typed below along with a scanned copy.

MAANDAZI (Fried Bread)

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 slightly beaten egg
2/3 cup milk
Cooking oil for deep-fat frying

Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; cut in shortening till mixture resembles small peas. Combine egg and milk; stir into dry ingredients till mixture forms a soft dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead 2 to 3 minutes, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons flour as needed if dough is sticky. Divide dough in half; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll one portion of dough out on well-floured surface to a 12×6-inch rectangle. Cut the rectangle crosswise into four 6×3-inch strips. With knife, cut each strip lengthwise into 3 equal strips, cutting to within 1/2 inch of top end. Braid strips starting at top; pinch ends under to secure. Repeat with remaining dough. Fry one or two braids at a time, in deep hot oil (375°) till golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper toweling. Serve warm. Makes 8.