Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- OR
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- OR
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar -- if desired
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3/4 cup milk (about)
Directions
Heat oven to 450º. Cut shortening into remaining ingredients except milk
in medium bowl with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles
fine crumbs. Stir in just enough milk so dough leaves side of bowl and
forms a ball. (Too much milk will make dough sticky; not enough will make
biscuits dry.)
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead lightly 20 to 25 times.
Roll or pat 1/2 inch thick. Cut with floured 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart for crusty sides,
touching for soft sides.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from
cookie sheet. Serve warm.