Flaky Baking Powder Biscuits (Scones)

From "Country Fair Cookbook" which has blue ribbon winning recipes from all over America prior to 1975.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 16 biscuits

Ingredients

• 2  cups  sifted flour
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 4  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1  beaten egg
• 2⁄3 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together.
3. Cut in shortening with pastry cutter or two knives (or just rub in with fingers)until it resembles a course meal.
4. Combine egg and milk.
5. Add this to the flour mixture all at once, stirring just enough with fork to make a soft dough that sticks together.
6. Knead lightly 15 times on a lightly floured surface.
7. Roll to 3/4" (2cm) thickness and cut with 2" (5cm) cutter, placing 1" (2.5cm) apart on ungreased baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Serve immediately.