Baking Powder Biscuits - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. sifted flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. milk (approximate measure)

Preparation

Have all ingredients at room temperature.
Sift the flour before measuring.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together into a mixing bowl.
Cut the shortening into the flour mixture with a pastry blender, two knives or a fork, until it is separated into small pieces giving the appearance of coarse meal.
Add the milk gradually.
At each addition, place the milk on an undampened portion of the fat-flour mixture.
Stir until the mixture forms a ball and follows the fork around the bowl.
Dust the board and your hands with flour, using just enough to keep the dough from sticking.
Knead the dough lightly, about 16 strokes.
With your hand or a rolling pin, pat or roll the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Use light strokes.
Cut the dough with a cutter, dipped in flour.
Cut straight down without twisting the cutter. Lift the biscuits carefully from the board to the ungreased baking sheet with a spatula.
If you want crusty biscuits, place them an inch apart.
Place them with the sides touching if you want soft biscuits.
Bake in a hot oven, 450\u00b0, for 12 to 15 minutes.
Serve at once.
Yields 12 (2-inch) biscuits.