Yani Clecas are a flat biscuit that can be enjoyed with stews, fried or baked chicken, soups or just with butter. They are very easy and fast to make. There are a lot of similar recipes, this one is a very basic recipe.

4 cups of all purpose flour
3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening (I use Crisco the one that taste like butter)
2 tablespoons of butter or margarine (butter is best)
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 egg
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoon of salt
a pinch of nutmeg (optional)
3 cups of corn or vegetable oil for frying (350° to 375°)

Sift the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl add the milk, egg, sugar, salt and nutmeg and mix well with a wire whisk until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Cut the shortening and butter into the flour and work the flour until it turns into little pea size objects.

Add the milk mixture to the flour and work it well then onto a floured surface. Work well and add a bit of flour if the dough is to sticky. Cut half of the dough and set it aside. With a rolling pin roll out the other half of the dough like when you are making cookies. Use a large round cookie cutter to cut out the Yani Clecas. Once cut fry them in the hot oil, turning and basting them with the oil until they become puffy and brown. Serve them hot at once.

Note: If you have some left over sprinkle them with confectionery sugar, children love them this way.