2 c. flour
4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 c. shortening
2/3 c. milk

Sift dry ingredients together; cut in shortening. Add milk, all at once. Stir only until dough follows fork around bowl. Turn onto floured surface, kneading very gently 8 to 10 times. Pat to 1/2 to 1-inch thick. Cut and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 450 degrees. For drop biscuits, increase milk to 1 cup. Drop in mounds on ungreased cookie sheet and bake as above.