General instructions with variations:

Biscuits leavened with either baking soda or baking powder or both should have a flaky texture, a smooth brown crust and good flavor. They contain a larger proportion of shortening than most other breads. Biscuits should be mixed in a manner similar to pastries. The COLD shortening is cut into the sifted mixture of flour and leavening with knives or a pastry blender, then the cold liquid is added and mixed quickly and lightly. It is then turned out onto a floured board and kneaded very lightly until the dough is smooth (not more than 30 seconds - do not over knead). Roll out to desired thickness and then cut. If the biscuits are placed close together in the pan they will have a crust on the top and bottom only; if placed far apart, they will brown all over. Biscuits are baked in a hot oven (450°) for 10 to 15 minutes - depending on the size of the biscuits. Rough biscuits are caused by insufficient mixing. Dry biscuits are caused from baking at to low a heat or handling too much. Heavy biscuits are caused by to low a temperature or overmixing. Uneven browning is caused by cooking in dark surface pans (use a cookie sheet or shallow bright finished pan), too high a heat or rolling the dough too thin.

Baking Powder Biscuits

2	Cups	Flour, sifted
3	Tsps.	Baking powder
1/2	Tsp.	Salt
4	Tbsp.	Shortening or butter (cold)
3/4	Cup	Milk

Mix as per general instructions and bake approximatly 12 minutes. Makes 14 2" biscuits

Applesauce Biscuits

2	Cups	Flour
3	Tsp.	Baking powder
1/4	Tsp.	Baking soda
3	Tbsp.	Shortening
1	Egg	Beaten
1/2	Cup	Tart applesauce
1/4	Cup	Thick sour cream
1/2	Cup	American cheese, grated

Mix the above ingredients, knead, roll out and cut biscuits. Sprinkle on top of the biscuits 1/2 cup grated american cheese. Makes 18 2" biscuits.

Cheese Biscuits

Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the dry ingredients of the Baking powder biscuits recipe and bake as per instructions.

Drop Biscuits

1/2	Cup	Cheese, grated

Same as baking powder biscuits except increase milk to 1 cup and drop by teaspoon full onto a greased baking sheet.

Honey Cinnamon Biscuits

1

Cup

Milk

Melt butter and add 1/4 cup honey. Spread in greased pan and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll biscuit dough 1/2" thick and spread remaining honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll like a jelly roll and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Place in a pan and bake in a moderate oven (375°) for 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 12-15 biscuits.

Maple Sugar Biscuits

Brush tops of biscuits before baking with butter. Sprinkle generously with maple sugar. For an even stronger taste, fold in 1/2 cup maple sugar in to the biscuit dough before rolling.

Orange Biscuits

Decrease shortening to 2 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of orange rind. Mix altogether knead and cut biscuits using a 1 1/2" cutter (can use a 2" cutter). Have on hand sugar cubes orange juice and confectioner's sugar. Place biscuits in pairs (place one cube of sugar between the pair) and moisten with orange juice between. Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush orange juice on top of biscuits, and sprinkle confectioner's sugar on top.

Peach Biscuits

Add to Baking powder biscuits, 1 cup chopped peaches (drained from juice), 1 teaspoon chopped orange rind and 2 tablespoons of sugar.

Raspberry Tea Ring

Roll biscuit dough into an oblong sheet 1/8" thick. Spread evenly with raspberry jam. Roll as for jelly roll; bringing end together to form a ring. Place on a greased baking sheet. Make slits in the ring about 1" apart - cutting almost through the ring. Brush with melted butter. Bake a 400° for 30 minutes. While the ring is still hot, top with Raspberry glaze of 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and 2 tablespoons of raspberry jam. Mix all together (you can use less milk for a thicker glaze).

Soy Biscuits

Use 1/2 cup soy flour, 1 1/2 cups white flour. Increase shortening to 5 tablespoons. Increase baking powder to 4 teaspoons and increase milk to 2/3 cup. Prepare as for baking powder bisuits and bake as noted.

1/4	Cup	Butter
1/2	Cup	Honey