Basic Tea Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. 2
   Combine dry ingredients.
3. 3
   Cut in shortening with two knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
4. 4
   Make a well in the centre and add liquid all at once. Stir vigorously until dough comes freely from the sides of the bowl.
5. 5
   Turn dough onto a lightly floured board and roll or pat to 1/2-inch thick.
6. 6
   Cut out 2-inch biscuits with a floured water glass or biscuit cutter.
7. 7
   Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until tops are golden brown.
8. 8
   Serve immediately with butter, jam or honey.
9. 9
   Variations: Cheese Tea Biscuits Use only 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 cup shortening.
10. 10
    Add 3/4 cup shredded cheese (yellow or marble) to dry ingredients.
11. 11
    Buttermilk Tea Biscuits Use only 2 tsp baking powder Add 1/2 tsp baking soda Replace milk with 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk.
12. 12
    Raisin or Nut Tea Biscuits Add to dry ingredients 1/4 cup sugar; and 3/4 cup seedless raisins or chopped nuts Use only 7/8 cup milk Whole Wheat Tea Biscuits Replace 1 cup of white flour with 1 cup whole wheat flour.