Baking Powder Biscuit Recipe

2 cups of sifted pastry flour
2 to 4 tablespoonfuls shortening
4 level teaspoonfuls of baking powder
1/2 to 2/3 cup of milk or water
1/2 teaspoonful of salt

Pass together through a sieve, three times, the flour, salt and baking powder. With a knife or the tips of the fingers work in the shortening; add the liquid a little at a time, mixing it with a knife meanwhile to a soft dough, but one that can be handled. Turn the dough on to a floured board, turn it with the knife until lightly floured, then knead with the hands slightly, to get it into a smooth mass; pat with the rolling pin and roll into a sheet about three-fourths an inch thick; cut into rounds; set these close together in a buttered pan and bake from fifteen to twenty minutes. White flour, or half white and half entire wheat or Graham flour or rye meal, may be used. The recipe makes from twelve to sixteen biscuits, according to size.