Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/3 tsp. baking powder
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 to 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375° F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
Sift together dry ingredients. Cut in the shortening (consistency should look like coarse meal). Stir in 1/3 cup milk until dough holds together* (see note below). You may have to add a little more milk if the dough is too dry or crumbly.
Turn onto floured board and knead. Beat with a rolling pin until dough blisters, 100 whacks or more, folding edges in toward the center and turning after every few whacks. Roll dough to 3/8-inch thickness and cut with small round cutter. Using a fork, prick tops two or three times.
Arrange on lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, or until light golden.
Makes about 30-35 "beaten biscuits".
*Note: The mixing of the dry ingredients, and adding the shortening and milk to dry ingredients can be done in a food processor if desired. Before turning dough out onto a floured board to knead and "beat", you may briefly knead dough in the food processor.
Date: February 5, 2003