Basic Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup shortening

¾ cup milk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

In a large mixing bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pour milk into flour mixture while stirring with a fork. Mix in milk until dough is soft, moist and pulls away from the side of the bowl.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and toss with flour until no longer sticky. Roll dough out into a 1/2 inch thick sheet and cut with a floured biscuit or cookie cutter. Press together unused dough and repeat rolling and cutting procedure.

Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheets and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.