In a bowl combine the powdered milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, shortening and hot water.
Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
In another bowl, combine the yeast, 1/3 cup of water and 1/8 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until the yeast has dissolved and begins to foam.
Add the yeast mixture to the powdered milk mixture.
Add flour and mix thoroughly.
Cover and let rise for 60 minutes.
Preheat griddle to 300 degrees F. Grease rings.
Fill the rings about 2/3 of the way and let them cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip them over and cook for about 5 more minutes.
I can't stress enough, this dough is very gooey. RESIST the urge to add more flour to make it more like dough you're used to.
I tend to cook with powdered milk anyway, but I can't see why you couldn't substitute fresh milk. Between the two amounts of water, the amount of powder is about right for "regular" milk.
