Sopaipillas

1 cup all-purpose bleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 T sugar
1 T vegetable shortening
1/3 cup hot water
1-2 T flour, if needed
peanut oil for frying
powdered sugar
honey

Put first 5 ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to thoroughly combine and evening distribute shortening.

Add hot water and stir with a fork until the mixture forms a dough. If dough is too dry to mold or knead, add a bit more water. If dough seems too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons flour. Knead a couple of times, then place in a plastic bag and let rise 1 hour in a warm place.

Lightly flour a work surface and roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. If the dough seems too elastic to roll easily, cover and let rest a few minutes more, then roll again. Fold the dough in half and roll the rectangle again. Cut the dough into 3 x 4-inch rectangles.

Heat at least 5 inches of oil in a 3-quart saucepan or deep fryer to 350-360 degrees. Fry 1 or 2 at a time, spooning hot oil over the top to encourage puffing. Drain on paper towels. Immediately dust with powdered sugar and serve with honey.

Makes 16 sopaipillas