Yeast Sopapillas

Not so healthy but everso tasty! Mother used to make these when I was growing up. I’m not sure if this is exactly her recipe, but it tastes like home.

1 1/2 c. warm water
1 pkg. dry yeast
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
4 c. flour
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. shortening

Dissolve yeast in water; add sugar and shortening, then the flour sifted with baking powder and salt. Mix well and knead. Set aside for 1 hour.

Roll dough to 1/4 inch squares or triangles and fry in hot shortening. Fry only a few at a time, so fat will stay hot. If fat is hot, sopapillas will puff up and become hollow. Drain on paper towel. Serve as bread with Mexican food.  (Or, better yet, do what Mother did and cover them in cinnamon sugar for a dessert.) Dough may be frozen or used as desired.