Sopaipillas

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 3/4 cup warm water
• oil, for deep-frying
• honey (optional)
• butter (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt and baking powder.

2. 2

   Cut in shortening with 2 knives (or you can use your fingers) until mixture resembles cornmeal. Stir in warm water until all ingredients are moist.

3. 3

   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover dough with plastic wrap or a dry towel.

4. 4

   Let rest at least 30 minutes. For later use, dough may be placed in a plastic bag and refrigerated 24 hours.

5. 5

   Cut dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a saucepan or deep fryer (I prefer to just use the counter).

6. 6

   Heat to 400 degrees F (205 C). Carefully drop dough squares 1 at a time into hot oil.

7. 7

   Cook until puffed and golden brown, turning once. If sopaipillas do not puff immediately, oil is not hot engouh. Drain cooked sopaipillas on paper towels.

8. 8

   Serve immediately with honey. Makes 35-40.

9. 9

   You can also roll dough into circles and cut them in half, or watever shape you'd like.