Saturday, November 6, 2010

Basic Biscuits

Biscuits are a staple in our home. Very versatile, biscuits can be a delicious addition to any breakfast, lunch or dinner. You simply start with the basic dough, then add any variety of herbs, seasonings, or toppings to create the perfect side.

Basic Biscuits:
Preheat oven to 450
Stir 2 cups flour with 1 Tablespoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. (Or, if you wish you can just dump 2 cups of self-rising flour into a bowl.)
Cut in 1/3 cup shortening with your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You must use shortening, butter in this instance will not do.
Dump in 3/4 cup milk and mix until moist. 
You can lightly knead on a floured surface (about 10 times), or use a large bowl & knead up against the sides of the bowl. That's what I do...I'm a bit lazy. Also, instead of adding a 3/4 cup of milk you can add 1 whole cup & make drop biscuits, and not knead at all.
Pat dough out to 1/2 inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter, a glass, or even make squared biscuits with a pizza cutter. (Again...I'm a bit lazy...)
Place slightly touching (to help rise) on an un-greased sheet-pan until golden and lovely. (About 10-12 minutes.)

In addition to making drop biscuits, you can also use this dough to add things such at a teaspoon or garlic powder & some shredded cheese for delicious cheddar-biscuits. Or sprinkle in some herbs for a savory treat. Or rock them for dessert by brushing with some melted butter when almost done & topping with cinnamon sugar! The sky is the limit- you can get pretty creative with this forgiving dough.

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