Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House-Style Biscuits

I love to make biscuits when I crave hot bread, and this one is quite good and fast to prepare. Paula Deen says this recipe is from Famous Recipes from Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House. I found it in The Lady & Sons Too! (Paula Deen). I threw a splash of vinegar in the milk instead of using buttermilk and used all butter instead of shortening.

• Ready In: 22 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 16 biscuits

Ingredients

• 2  cups self-rising flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1  tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 2  tablespoons margarine
• 1⁄3 cup buttermilk
• 1⁄3 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Sift the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl and make a well in the center.
3. Cut in the shortening and margarine until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
4. Pour the buttermilk and milk into a measuring cup and add enough water to make 3/4 cup.
5. Pour this into the dry ingredients.
6. Mix lightly and quickly with your hands to form a dough moist enough to leave the sides of the bowl.
7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
8. Knead by turning the dough away from you, pressing down with palms of hands, and pushing the dough away.
9. Repeat 6 or 7 times.
10. Work the dough into a large ball while kneading. Keep your fingers dry by dipping them into dry flour regularly.
11. Pinch off portions of dough and place them on a well-greased baking sheet.
12. Press lightly to flatten the biscuits slightly.
13. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.