1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting surface and
rolling pin
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
4 to 6 tablespoons chilled butter cubes or shortening, or a combination
3/4 cup milk
Melted butter, for brushing biscuits
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add 4
to 6 tablespoons chilled butter or shortening or combination of both. Cut
butter into dry ingredients and then make a well in the center and add 3/4 cup milk all at once. Stir until dough is free from the sides and then
turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently and quickly, folding
only 8 to 10 times. Roll with a lightly floured rolling pin, until the
dough is about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into 1/2 by 1/2 by 3-inch sticks. Brush
with melted butter and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until just slightly
golden. Stack the sticks like building a log cabin.