Baking Soda Biscuits

Preparation: preheat oven to 450.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup shortening
2/3 cup milk
substitutions: instead of stated amount, use ¼ c. shortening, ¾ c. milk: careful! requires extra care with mixing so that the dough doesn't become overworked and tough.

Instructions:
1. in medium mixing bowl, stir together dry ingredients
2. cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, using pastry blender, 2 forks or your
hands.
3. make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add milk all at once.
4. using a fork, stir just until dough clings together.
5. turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Quickly knead the dough by gently folding and
pressing the dough for 10 to 12 strokes. (NOT vigorous kneading like with bread.)
6. pat or lightly roll the dough into ½ thickness.
7. cut the dough with a floured 2 ½ inch biscuit cutter (or can use a can or glass).
8. Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet.

bake in a 450 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
remove from baking sheet to wire rack if not serving immediately.