In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; whisk together; set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the milk and eggs. Add to the dry ingredients; beat until smooth with a rotary beater.

Add the vegetable shortening to an 8" cast iron skillet.

Heat over medium-high heat to 350º.

Covering the bottom of a funnel with your finger, pour a generous 1/2 cup batter into the funnel.

Hold the end of the funnel close to the hot oil.

Remove finger and release batter into the hot oil in a spiral shape.

Fry until golden, about 3 minutes. With a spatula, carefully turn the cake over and cook for 1 minute.

Drain on paper towels or a brown paper bag.

Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve!