Dissolve yeast in water. Add milk, sugar, salt, shortening and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down and shape into 15 ovals, 5-1/2-in. round by 1/8-in. thick.
Heat 3-4-in. of oil to 375° in deep fryer. Fry ovals, one at a time, 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain. Mix sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over warm pastries.
Elephant Ears comes from the Cook'n Deep Fried collection. Click here to order this CD or download this brand-name recipe set right now!