Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 15 standard muffin cups.
Mix 1/3 cup shortening (or butter flavored Crisco, not oil) with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 egg until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom alternately with 1/2 cup milk.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full, bake 20-25 minutes.
While baking, mix 3/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons (tsp) cinnamon. Melt 3/4 cup butter.
Immediately after baking, while still hot, quickly roll the puffs in butter, then in sugar mixture.