Place the water on the stove with the shortening and heat until boiling, then turn the heat off until ready to use
While waiting for the water to boil, place enough lard in a cast iron skillet to fill to about a half-inch depth and turn the heat to medium low
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl and when the water is ready add a little at a time and mix with a wooden spoon until it is all wet, but firm enough to mold into patties
Portion the dough with the spoon, roll it into a ball and flatten into a thin patty using the palms of your hands and set aside. Repeat until the dough is used up
Fry in the lard until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, strain out and drain briefly on a paper towel covered rack
Serve immediately with butter as a side to beans, greens or fried chicken!