I'd like to introduce a new guest blogger here at Sugar Pies. My dear friend and "wondertwin" Sandra Senecal has kindly agreed to post some of her favorite recipes from time to time. I'm sure you'll love her great recipes. To kick things off she's decided to post her recipe for Sopapillas.
Sopapillas are a fried dough Mexican dish that remind me of beignets. Unfortunately, it's hard to get real sopapillas in many Mexican restaurants back east as they prefer to use a flour tortilla with some honey and cinnamon-sugar spread on it. A REAL Sopapilla involves a light fluffy dough!
So, let's welcome Sandy!
Fresh ingredients are the key. I buy all new ones for this because here in Arizona baking powder, soda and flour really lose their "oomph" quickly.
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons shortening
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 quarts oil for frying
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and shortening. Stir in water; mix until dough is smooth. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.
2. Roll out on floured board until 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 3 inch squares. Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375° F (190° C). Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
3. When fresh and hot out of the fryer toss in a paper bag with granulated or powdered sugar.
Makes about 2 dozen.
