My version of one of our favorite State Fair of Texas fried foods!
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!