1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 to 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup shortening (i.e. Crisco)
3/8 to 1/2 cup milk (or milk/buttermilk mixture)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Sift together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture looks "mealy". Add milk and mix. Dough will be sticky. Turn dough out and knead - 2 or 3 light turns. Pat out to desired thickness. I suggest approximately 1/2-inch. Cut no larger than 1 1/2 to 2-inches (round or square).

For more tender results, place biscuits with edges touching. For crispier/crustier biscuits, space raw dough to improve heat dispersion.

Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Submitted by: J. Carter