Basic Tea Biscuits

• flour↗2 cups
• baking powder↗4 teaspoons
• salt↗1 teaspoon
• shortening↗1⁄3 cup
• milk↗1 cup

  or 1 cup light cream

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. 2

   Combine dry ingredients.

3. 3

   Cut in shortening with two knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.

4. 4

   Make a well in the centre and add liquid all at once. Stir vigorously until dough comes freely from the sides of the bowl.

5. 5

   Turn dough onto a lightly floured board and roll or pat to 1/2-inch thick.

6. 6

   Cut out 2-inch biscuits with a floured water glass or biscuit cutter.

7. 7

   Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until tops are golden brown.

8. 8

   Serve immediately with butter, jam or honey.

9. 9

   Variations: Cheese Tea Biscuits Use only 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 cup shortening.

10. 10

    Add 3/4 cup shredded cheese (yellow or marble) to dry ingredients.

11. 11

    Buttermilk Tea Biscuits Use only 2 tsp baking powder Add 1/2 tsp baking soda Replace milk with 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk.

12. 12

    Raisin or Nut Tea Biscuits Add to dry ingredients 1/4 cup sugar; and 3/4 cup seedless raisins or chopped nuts Use only 7/8 cup milk Whole Wheat Tea Biscuits Replace 1 cup of white flour with 1 cup whole wheat flour.