Mom's Sopaipillas and Hot Chocolate

Growing up in Deming in the "50's" was a fond memory for most of us. Our neighborhood was safe and secure. We all played together and looked out for each other. Looking back now I realize that Mom made it such a special place. Daddy was out of town most weeks, so Mom managed on her own She had a playful spirit and made most things fun. (except cleaning our room!)
We used to spend hours dancing. Sometimes we were in our socks polishing the wood floor.
Mom made breakfast a treat when she could, her budget was slim.
I guess we were poor, but so was everyone we knew. One of my most memorable breakfasts was sopaipillas and hot chocolate, what a treat on a cold morning.

Sopaipillas
Makes 4 dozen medium sopaipillas

3 cups sifted flour
2 Tb. baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 Tb. lard Shortening (not oil) can be substituted
Approximately 1 cup warm water, more can be added if needed.
2 inches shortening in heavy skillet.

Mix all dry ingredients together till thoroughly combined. Cut in shortening.
you can use a pastry cutter. Mom used her hands.
Add warm water to dry ingredient and work into dough.
Knead for 10 minutes or until smooth
Divide into donut sized pieces. let dough rest.

Heat 2-inches of shortening in heavy skillet at medium to high heat.

Roll each ball out to 1/8 inch thickness on lightly floured surface.
Cut dough into four sections and make a small slit in the center of each.
Fry until golden brown on each side. (If shortening is sufficiently hot sopaipilla will puff and become hollow, forming the coveted big bubble, to fill with hot chocolate)!
Drain on paper towels.

Hot Chocolate
makes six servings

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Hershey's Cocoa
dash of salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups milk
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix sugar cocoa salt in saucepan.
Stir in water.
Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils.
Boil and stir 2 minutes.
Stir in milk and heat, DO NOT BOIL
Remove from heat.
Add vanilla.