Baking Powder Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 425 F. Grease two 8-inch cake pans.
2. 2
   Put the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl.
3. 3
   Cut the shortening into the flour with two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
4. 4
   Add the milk all at once and stir just until the dough forms a ball around the fork.
5. 5
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead 14 times.
6. 6
   Pat until 1/2 inch thick.
7. 7
   Cut into rounds with a 2-inch cookie cutter.
8. 8
   Place touching each other in the cake pans and bake for 15-20 minutes.
9. 9
   Roll biscuits to 1/4 inch thick and place 1 inch apart.
10. 10
    Bake in a 450 F oven for 12 minutes.
11. 11
    This will yield almost twice as many biscuits.
12. 12
    Use 2/3 cup buttermilk instead of sweet milk and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, cutting the amount of baking powder in half, to 2 teaspoons.
13. 13
    Add 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients.
14. 14
    Add an additional 1/3 cup milk and drop by teaspoonfuls onto a buttered baking sheet.