Mum’s Traditional Tea Biscuits

Mum’s Traditional Tea Biscuits

2 1/4 cups All purpose flour                               !/2 cup shortening

4 tsp. baking powder                                              1 cup milk

1 tsp. salt

In a large bowl, blend flour, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender, (or 2 knives) cut in shortening until mixture is crumbled.

With a fork, lightly stir in milk until dough is soft and sticky. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8-10 times until smooth.

Roll out dough or pat to 1/2 inch thick and cut into rounds with a floured cutter. Dough can also be patted into a circle and cut into wedges with floured knife.   Brush tops with milk, sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 425F for 12-15mins or until golden brown.

Serve warm with butter and jam.

VARIATIONS:

Add 1 tbsp of grated lemon rind or orange rind to flour mix, before adding milk.

Add in 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips( with orange rind) or currants ( with lemon rind) after mixing with milk and prior to kneading.

Omit sugar topping…Add 1/2 c. of grated old cheddar cheese to flour mixture before adding milk. (great with stew!)

ENJOY!