Respect My Bread

What you'll need (for 3-4 regular-sized biscuits):
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt (a big pinch)
4 tbsp fat (butter and/or shortening), cut into chunks
1/3 cup milk.


THE PROCESS
1 - In a mixing bowl stir together the dry ingredients, and then use your fingers to rub in the butter/shortening.

The ingredient quantities can easily be halved or doubled to suit your needs.

Break up and distribute the solid fat throughout the flour mixture but don't overwork: several pea-sized chunks are ideal.

2 - A little at a time, drizzle in the milk and mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.

3 - Rake out onto a floured surface and sprinkle with flour. Knead by patting out with the tips of your fingers and then folding into thirds like a business letter. Turn 90° and repeat.

The patting out and folding over process creates layers. You don't want to intensely knead the dough.

4 - Cut into rounds, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 425*F for 13-15 minutes.