Navajo Fry Bread #3

-NEW MEXICO COOKING-
2 c Flour
2 ts Baking powder
1 ts Salt
2 ts Shortening
2/3 c -Water, lukewarm
Vegetable oil; for frying
Jam, honey, or powdered
-sugar

In a med. bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; cut in shortening
until mixture has the appearance of fine crumbs. Sprinkle in water, 1 tbsp
at a time. Use a fork to toss until the flour is moistened and dough
almost cleans side of bowl. Dough should be soft, but not sticky. On a
lightly floured surface, knead until smooth. Form into ball, cover, and
refrigerate 30 mins. Heat oil in a lg. skillet to 400~. Tear off a piece
of dough about the size of a peach. Pat and stretch until thin and round,
about 6″ to 8″ in diameter. Poke a hole through the middle, and drop into
sizzling vegetable shortening. Fry circles, turning once, until golden
brown, about 1 min. on each side. Bread will puff beautifully. Serve with
jam, honey, or powdered sugar.

Note – in New Mexico at fairs, craft shows, and Indian Pow Wows, you’ll see
long lines of people waiting to get their hot fry bread. Folklore tells us
that poking a hole in the center lets out the evil spirits.