Baking Powder Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Have all ingredients at room temperature.
2. 2
   Sift the flour before measuring.
3. 3
   Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together into a mixing bowl.
4. 4
   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.
5. 5
   Add the milk gradually.
6. 6
   At each addition, place the milk on an undampened portion of the fat-flour mixture.
7. 7
   Stir until the mixture forms a ball and follows the fork around the bowl.
8. 8
   Dust the board and your hands with flour, using just enough to keep the dough from sticking.
9. 9
   Knead the dough lightly, about 16 strokes.
10. 10
    With your hand or a rolling pin, pat or roll the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Use light strokes.
11. 11
    Cut the dough with a cutter, dipped in flour.
12. 12
    Cut straight down without twisting the cutter. Lift the biscuits carefully from the board to the ungreased baking sheet with a spatula.
13. 13
    If you want crusty biscuits, place them an inch apart.
14. 14
    Place them with the sides touching if you want soft biscuits.
15. 15
    Bake in a hot oven, 450°, for 12 to 15 minutes.
16. 16
    Serve at once.
17. 17
    Yields 12 (2-inch) biscuits.