< Previous1S6 PltAISJ-:SONG FOi� THlt KITCIIRN GIIOSTS PRAIJEJONC B1JCUITJ 1 have been baking biscuits all 1ny life, in search of the perfect recipe for decades. I tried for years 10 n1ake them like 1ny grand11101her's, but she never wrote down her recipe (of course). So, this recipe is 1nine. I think it's just right-at lease it seems to be the one my family likes best. An ideal biscuit has a slightly crisp crust paired with a tender softness inside and can hold up to jelly or gravy or a small piece of 1nea1 for a tasry n1orsel of a sandwich. The key 10 tender biscuits is not to 1ness with the dough coo 1nuch. I like 10 see bits of butter in it, so chc biscuits bake up ,vith tiny pools of buttery goodness inside. MMOiS €1CIIT J-INCII 8JSCVITS 2 to 2 '/4 cups sell�rising flour, plus more as needed 4 tablespoons ('/4 cup) vegetable shonening, ac room temperature 4 rablespoons (½ scick) cold salted butter, plus more for serving I cup whole milk Place a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven ro 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour with the shortening and use a pastry ccirter or rwo forks 10 blend rhe1n into a coarse 1neal. Cut the cold butter into pea-size pieces. Add then1 to the bowl and stir 10 coat ·with the flour, then pour in the milk, using a fork to stir the 1nixture into a soft, shaggy dough. Add a bit more flour, as needed. Do not ovennix. Generously flour your work surface and your 3-inch round biscuit cutter ( or inverted glass). 'J'ransfer the dough there and knead it six times-only adding a little more flour, as needed, co keep ir fro1n being too sticky and just co keep it workable. Gently pat or roll out rhe dough ro a thickness of abour ½ inch. Use the biscuit curter to cur straight down, without twisting, to form a total of 8 biscuits. Gently reroll the scraps 10 use all rhe dough. Place the biscuit rounds on an ungreased baking sheet, close together but not touching. Brush off any excess flour. Bake on the 1niddle rack until lightly browned on top and botto1n, 12 to 15 rninutes. Butter the biscuit cops and serve hot. ' • .,. ' � . I • • C f ff·EAT YOUR BOOKS We hope you enjoyed this EYB Book Preview The complete book is available from all major booksellers. Or use the "Buy Book" button and help support EYB. Next >