Boarding House Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F.
2. 2
   Whisk dry ingredients in a medium-size bowl.
3. 3
   Using pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture is crumbly with a few pea-size pieces of butter.
4. 4
   Stir in enough of the buttermilk to make a soft, sticky dough.
5. 5
   Turn out onto a lightly flourd surface.
6. 6
   Quick knead dough just until it comes together being careful not to overknead.
7. 7
   Roll out dough until it is 1/2-inch thick.
8. 8
   Using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet.
9. 9
   Bake until golden brown, about 18 minutes.
10. 10
    Variations: Biscuits with Cheddar, Chives and Pepper--after you have cut butter into mixture, add 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives and 1/2 teaspoon coarsly cracked black pepper.
11. 11
    Mix gently, then stir in the buttermilk.