Starving-Student Potato Cakes

2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon of flour, or more if the potatoes are thin
2 tablespoons of milk, or less if the potatoes are thin
1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening

Mix all the ingredients except the shortening.

Heat the shortening in a large skillet over moderate heat.

Drop the potato mixture bu a tablespoon into the hot shortening and brown on both sides.

Watch the heat closely.

Like many Amish dishes, this is a bit calm. Dress it up by adding different spices or minced chilies to the mixture before cooking.