Yorkshire Pudding

(This is properly served with rare roast beef. It can also be used as a hot dessert and served with warm maple syrup. This must be eaten as soon as it is removed from the oven while crisp.)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

In a large bowl, place the flour. Make a well in the middle and break the egg into it, then beat. Slowly add all the milk and water and beat to a smooth consistency. Place a little of the shortening in each hole of a 12-hole popover tin (about 1/2 teaspoon in each) and put the tin in the oven for 2 minutes so the shortening melts.

Remove the tin from the oven and place it over a low flame on top of the stove. Distribute the batter in each popover hole. As you pour in the batter, it will sizzle. Put popover tin in the hot oven and bake about 15 to 20 minutes. The popovers will rise dramatically and be crisp and brown on the top. Serve immediately.