Panamanian Fried Bread

Ingredients

 * 1¾ cups flour
 * 2 tsp baking powder
 * 1 tsp salt
 * 2 tbs lard or shortening
 * ½ - ¾ cups water as necessary
 * oil for deep fat frying

Directions

 * 1) In a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven start heating the cooking oil to 375 °F.
 * 2) Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together into a bowl. Cut the lard into the flour with a pastry cutter or forks. Slowly add water until a firm adhesive dough is formed. Knead the dough briefly, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
 * 3) Pinch the dough off in golf ball sized pieces and form irregularly shaped patties about ¼" thick between the hands.
 * 4) Fry the patties in the hot oil about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
 * 5) Serve hot sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or with honey or syrup.