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.