Basic Biscuit Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. 2
   Place flour in mixing bowl.
3. 3
   With pastry blender or blending fork, cut shortening into flour until mix resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4
   Gently push the flour mix to the edges of the bowl, making a well in the center.
5. 5
   Blend the lowfat milk with a fork until the dough leaves sides of bowl.
6. 6
   Don't overmix.
7. 7
   Turn dough onto lightly floured surface.
8. 8
   Knead gently 10 to 12 strokes.
9. 9
   On lightly floured surface, pat or roll dough to slightly more than 1/2 inch thickness.
10. 10
    Cut with 2 or 2 1/2 inch cutter, dipping cutter into flour between cuts.
11. 11
    Transfer cut biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet.
12. 12
    For crusty sided biscuits, place biscuits about 1 inch apart.
13. 13
    For soft sided biscuits, place with sides just touching.
14. 14
    Reroll scraps of dough and cut into biscuit shapes.
15. 15
    Bake in oven for 6 to 8 min or until golden brown.
16. 16
    If sides touch bake biscuits 8 min; bake 6 to 7 min if sides do not touch.