2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt (optional - we leave it out)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup (salted) butter
1 cup buttermilk (or sour milk)

In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and cut in the butter using a fork or pastry blender.

Stir in the buttermilk, and continue stirring only until the mixture forms a ball and begins to hold together.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll out to 1/2 or 3/4 inch thick, and cut into rounds.

Place on a lightly oiled or sprayed cookie sheet (or line a cookie sheet with parchment paper). Arrange biscuits close together for soft sides or 1 inch apart for more crusty sides.

Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 12 or 15 minutes until just nicely golden brown.

Submitted by: CM