Basic Baking Powder Biscuits

2 cups presifted flour

1/2 tsp salt

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

2 tsp sugar

1/2 cup shortening

2/3 cups milk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine dry

ingredients. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in shortening

until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add milk. Stir gently with fork

until dough holds together. Gather dough into a ball. Turn out onto

lightly floured board. Knead gently with floured fingers, about 12

kneading strokes. Roll out dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut with floured

biscuit cutter. Arrange biscuits about 1 inch apart on baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.