Paraoa Parai (Maori bread)

Maoris, the native New Zealanders, used to make Paraoa Parai out of fermented potato water. It took two whole days to bake. Today, Maoris make this simpler version of the tasty bread that you can enjoy, too.

2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons chilled butter or margarine
2/3 cup milk
Vegetable oil

Mix the flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.

Using a cheese grater, grate the butter into the flour mixture. Mix it with your fingers until the mixture crumbles. Add the milk until you can form a ball with the dough.

Dust your counter with flour. Roll out the dough to a 1-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares.

Fill an electric frying pan with 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry each square until it turns golden brown on each side.

Remove the bread with tongs and set it on a paper towel or brown bag to cool.

Serve with butter and jam for a wonderful treat.

Makes 12 pieces of Paraoa Parai.

Source: Kids' Multicultural Cookbook