2 c. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. shortening (Crisco)
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar (if used as shortcake)

Sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar (optional). Cut in shortening and mix with a fork until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk. Gently mix the milk in with a fork. Place a little flour on the counter and turn the dough out, pat the dough to the thickest that you want and cut. Place on an ungreased pan. (The secret to these biscuits is not to try and roll them out, handle very little and they will come out flaky.) Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 425 degrees.