Best Ever Biscuits

Instructions

1. 1

   In medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt.

2. 2

   Mix well to distribute the baking powder and the salt.

3. 3

   Using a pastry blender or fork, cut shortening into flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. 4

   If you use butter, be sure it is chilled. (Mixing by hand softens the shortening, making the dough sticky and hard to handle.) Gently push the flour-shortening mixture against the sides of the bowl, making a well in the center.

5. 5

   Pour the milk into the well all at once.

6. 6

   Using a fork, stir just until the mixture follows the fork around the bowl and forms soft dough.

7. 7

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

8. 8

   Knead gently 10 to 12 strokes.

9. 9

   On the lightly floured surface, pat the dough to 1/2-inch thickness (or roll it out with a lightly floured rolling pin, if desired).

10. 10

    Sprinkle a little flour over dough.

11. 11

    Cut biscuit dough with a 2 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter, pressing the cutter straight down.

12. 12

    Be careful not to twist the cutter or flatten the cut biscuit edges or you won't get straight-sided, evenly shaped biscuits.

13. 13

    Dip the cutter into flour between cuts to prevent sticking.

14. 14

    If you do not have a biscuit cutter, use a straight-sided glass.

15. 15

    Or, pat the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle and cut into squares or triangles using a sharp knife.

16. 16

    Using a metal spatula, carefully transfer the cut biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet.

17. 17

    For crusty-sided biscuits, place about 1 inch apart.

18. 18

    For soft-sided biscuits, place biscuits close together in an ungreased baking pan.

19. 19

    Re-roll scraps of dough and cut into biscuit shapes.

20. 20

    Try to cut out as many biscuits as possible from a single rolling of dough.

21. 21

    Too many re-rollings of the dough causes biscuits to be tough and dry.

22. 22

    Bake biscuits in 450 degrees F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until biscuits are golden on the top and the bottom.

23. 23

    Serve warm.

24. 24

    Makes 10 to 12 biscuits.