Baking Powder Milk Biscuits

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1½ cups milk
• milk for brushing
• melted butter
• 1 egg yolk mixed with cold water (optional)

Method

1. 1 Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Rub in shortening.
2. 2 Add milk and mix with a spoon to form a smooth, easy-to-handle dough.
3. 3 Turn out onto a floured board and knead quickly a few times.
4. 4 Divide dough into small pieces and form into short, thick, tapering rolls.
5. 5 Place on greased pans, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes.
6. 6 Brush rolls with milk and bake in a very hot oven (425°F) for 10 minutes.
7. 7 Brush with melted butter and bake 10 minutes longer. Optional: brush with egg wash before removing.