Marys Biscuits Recipes

BASIC BISCUITS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• In a large mixing bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Pour milk into flour mixture while stirring with a fork. Mix in milk until dough is soft, moist and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
• Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and toss with flour until no longer sticky. Roll dough out into a 1/2 inch thick sheet and cut with a floured biscuit or cookie cutter. Press together unused dough and repeat rolling and cutting procedure.
• Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheets and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

MARY'S BISCUITS

Steps:

• Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Cut in shortening with a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Cover bowl& refrigerate for about 30 minutes (this step can be skipped, but it makes the dough easier to handle if it's cold).
• Make a well in the center of the mixture& add milk all at once.
• Stir just until dough clings together.
• Preheat oven to 450F degrees.
• On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 10-12 strokes (don't over-knead or handle dough too much, or it will become tough).
• Roll or pat dough to 1/2" thickness.
• Cut with a floured 2 1/2" biscuit cutter--cut straight down to the board, then twist& lift cutter--dipping cutter into flour after each cut.
• Transfer biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet.
• Place biscuits so they're almost touching, and press two fingers lightly into top of each biscuit.
• Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.
• Remove to wire rack to cool completely.
• *Note:Placing biscuits close together on baking sheet helps them to rise, as they"climb" on each other.
• Also, pressing your fingers into the center of each biscuit keeps the middles from rising higher than the sides.

MARY ROGERS'S SOURDOUGH BISCUITS

Steps:

• At bedtime make a batter of the half cup of starter, cup of milk, and 1 cup of the flour. Let set overnight if the biscuits are wanted for breakfast. If wanted for noon, the batter maybe mixed in the morning and set in a warm place to rise. However, unless the weather is real warm, it is always all right to let it ferment overnight. It will get very light and bubbly. When ready to mix the biscuits, sift together the remaining cup and a half of flour and all other dry ingredients except the baking soda. Work in the lard or shortening with your fingers or a fork. Add baking soda dissolved in a little warm water to the sponge and then add the flour mixture. Mix into a soft dough. Knead lightly a few times to get in shape. Roll out to about ½ inch thickness or a little thicker, and cut with a biscuit cutter. Place close together in a 9 x 13-inch pan, turning to grease tops. Cover and set in a warm place to rise for about 45 minutes. Bake in a 375℉ (190℃) oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. Leftovers are good split and toasted in a sandwich toaster.