Simple Mornings: Basic Biscuits

Every once in a while we have a weekend day where we realize that we have a severe shortage of ingredients for breakfast fare and neither of us are feeling up to heading out into the world just yet.  These are the mornings for which a simple recipe like Baking Powder Biscuits are made for.  They are super quick to make and have a homey goodness in their simplicity.  Add jam or maybe a scrambled egg if you have one along side coffee and you are set.

Biscuits seem to set the tone for the day to be one of a simple life centered around family.  I am not sure why that is what they translate for me but sometimes that is the tone to start off a weekend day.

I have been using this basic recipe from Joy of Cooking.  There are so many variations you can do off of this recipe, from filled biscuits to a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar... but I like the traditional version myself.

Recipe: Basic Rolled Biscuits

Source: Joy of Cooking

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 to 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the largest pieces are the size of peas and it begins to resemble breadcrumbs.  Do not allow the butter to form a paste with the flour.

Add in the milk; mix with a spatula or fork just until the dry ingredients are moistened.  Gently knead the dough into a ball against the sides of the bowl, pressing in any loose pieces, about 5-10 times.

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thick and cut with a 2" round biscuit cutter (a drinking glass will work).  Don't twist the cutter when you pull it out for even baking. 

Place on baking sheet at least 1" apart for crusty sides and bake until they are golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

Enjoy!

- Tara