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.
 * 3) Cut the lard into the flour with a pastry cutter or forks.
 * 4) Slowly add water until a firm adhesive dough is formed.
 * 5) Knead the dough briefly, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
 * 6) Pinch the dough off in golf ball sized pieces and form irregularly shaped patties about ¼" thick between the hands.
 * 7) Fry the patties in the hot oil about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
 * 8) Drain on paper towels.
 * 9) Serve hot sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or with honey or syrup.