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!