Biscuits with 7 Variations from Better Homes and Garden Cookbook
Source: Better Homes and Garden Cookbook
Makes 10 to 12

For different shapes, use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into squares, triangles, or strips.

2 cups all-purpose Hour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 cup shortening, margarine, or butter
2/3 cup milk

Preheat oven 450F.

In a bowl stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Cut in shortening, margarine, or butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center; add milk all at once. Stir just till dough clings together.

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently for 10 to 12 strokes. Roll or pat dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter, dipping cutter into flour between cuts. Transfer biscuits to a baking sheet.

Bake in a 450F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or till golden. Serve warm.

Buttermilk Biscuits:
Prepare as above, except stir 1/4 teaspoon baking soda into flour mixture and substitute 3/4 cup buttermilk for the milk.

Cornmeal Biscuits:
Prepare as above, except reduce flour to 1 1/2 cups and add 1/2 cup cornmeal to flour mixture.

Garden Biscuits:
Prepare as above, except add 2 tablespoons finely shredded carrot, 1 tablespoon finely snipped parsley, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion to flour mixture with the milk.

Sour Cream Biscuits:
Prepare as above, except reduce milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/2 cup dairy sour cream to flour mixture with the milk.

Cheese Biscuits:
Prepare as above, except add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture with the milk.

Cajun Style Biscuits:
Prepare as above, except stir 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper into flour mixture.

Drop Biscuits:
Prepare as above, except increase milk to 1 cup. Do not knead, roll, or cut dough. Drop dough from a tablespoon onto a greased baking sheet.