Tea Biscuit

2 cups of flour
4 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 cup of shortening
1 cup of milk

Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with 2 knives or a pastry blender, until mixture is the consistency of course cornmeal. Make a well in the centre of these ingredients; add liquid slowly. When all the liquid has been added, stir dough rather vigorously until it comes freely from the side of the bowl. Turn dough onto lightly floured board and kneed lightly for a few minutes. Roll or pat out to desired thickness - about 1/2 inch. Cut dough with a knife or biscuit cutter, place on greased baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven (450F) for 12 - 15 minutes.
Variations of Tea Biscuits:
Cheese - Decrease shortening to 3 tablespoons and salt to 3/4 teaspoon. Cut in 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese with shortening.
Buttermilk - Decrease baking powder to 2 teaspoons; add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Substitute 1 cup of buttermilk for milk
Fruit or Nuts - Add 1/4 cups of granulated sugar and decrease milk to 3/4 cup. Add 3/4 cup of raisins, currants or nuts with milk.
Whole Wheat - use 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1 cup of all purpose flour


Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user BARBHOBSON.