Okay I have found three recipes for Portzelky (New Years Cookies) all in one Ladies Aid cookbook. They are all quite similar so I will share the one with the most comprehensive directions.
Portzelky (from the Zoar Church Ladies Aid Cookbook Langham Saskatchewan published circa 1960ish) Courtesy of Mrs. J.S. Thiessen--who I believe was my dad's first or second cousin.
2 pkgs dry yeast
2 cups warm water (half potato water)
5 tbsp. sugar
1 3/4 cups milk (scalded and cooled)
2 tsp. salt
4 eggs
1 lb. raisins
2 tsp. baking powder
Soften yeast in 2 cups water and 5 tbsp. sugar. Let stand for 15 minutes. Then mix in 2 cups flour to make a sponge. Let stand in a warm place. When light add all other ingredients and approx. 4 cups flour to make a stiff batter. Let rise until double and spoon out and fry in deep fat. Be careful not to break all the bubbles.