Sopapillas/Scones

A lady from my husband's mission in New Mexico gave him this recipe. She called it "Sopapillas", but when we made it in Idaho we called it "Scones". Here in California "scones" are a dense breakfast bread whereas this recipe is more of a dessert (part of the doughnut family). So call it what you wish and enjoy!

5 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1/4 cup sugar
2 pkgs yeast (or 2 Tbsp)
3 tsp salt
1 egg
3 heaping Tbsp of shortening

Soak yeast in 1/2 cup water with 2 Tbsps sugar for 5 min. Mix all ingredients, knead and let rise for 45 min. to 1 hour. Roll out dough to pie dough thickness, cut in squares and let rise for 10 to 20 min. Fry in hot shortening or lard in deep fryer or kettle. Serve hot with honey butter spread.