So, you think you need a deep fryer and some kind of special county fair chef expertise to make fried dough? Think again! This easy version uses a simple baking powder dough, and fries in just ¼" of vegetable oil–no messy deep frying necessary.

2 cups (8 1/2 ounces) King Arthur  Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) cold butter
3/4 cup (6 ounces) lukewarm water

Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Work in the cold butter, using a pastry blender, your fingers, or a mixer. Stir in the warm water to make a soft dough. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into eight pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll into a thin 5" round.

Heat ¼" vegetable oil to 375°F in an electric frying pan, or in a pan over a burner. If you’re not using an electric frying pan, you’ll have to guesstimate the temperature of the oil in your stovetop pan.

Pick up one dough disk, and carefully lower it into the pan. Let it cook for 45 to 60 seconds (it’ll puff up on top and become brown on the bottom), then flip it over and cook till brown on the other side, about 45 seconds. Remove from the oil and set on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Place in a 200"F oven to keep warm while you make the remaining fried doughs.

Serve warm, with maple syrup or cider syrup; confectioners’ sugar, or cinnamon cugar; or the topping of your choice.
Yield: 8 fried doughs.