barbara-in-va
Well-known member
with my foil helmet on here in No. VA!!
Years ago I knew a woman from eastern KY who made the best biscuits on earth. No measurements, baked in her iron skillet, hot from the oven EVERY morning. Drenched in local butter and honey. They were absolutely to die for. I watched her many times but never was able to come close to hers. I have tried many recipes since then but all were failures (or maybe it was the cook who was failing?) The other day in a thread Michael mentioned hot biscuits with honey and my mouth started to water. I just bought my first Joy of Cooking and so I tried the biscuits. I guess the planets were aligned properly this morning because they were just GREAT (not as good as the woman from years ago but very acceptable.) I can't believe that I actually made them!
Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits
Joy of Cooking
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Stir together in a large bowl:
1 3/4 C flour
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
Cut in using a pastry blender or 2 knives until the size of small peas:
4-6 T chilled butter or shortening or a combo (I used all butter)
Make a well in the center and add all at once:
3/4 C buttermilk
Stir just until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Knead gently and quickly, about 8-10 times. Roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin to between 1/4 and 1/2" thick. Cut with a 1 1/2" biscuit cutter (do not twist cutter in dough) dipped in very little flour and place on an ungreased baking sheet*. If desired brush tops with milk or melted butter. Bake until lightly browned 12-15 minutes.
*Separate biscuits for an all over crust or place them touching for just a crusty top.
The only thing I would change is to use a large cutter next time. I used a 2" one and the biscuits were a bit small for me.
Enjoy!
Years ago I knew a woman from eastern KY who made the best biscuits on earth. No measurements, baked in her iron skillet, hot from the oven EVERY morning. Drenched in local butter and honey. They were absolutely to die for. I watched her many times but never was able to come close to hers. I have tried many recipes since then but all were failures (or maybe it was the cook who was failing?) The other day in a thread Michael mentioned hot biscuits with honey and my mouth started to water. I just bought my first Joy of Cooking and so I tried the biscuits. I guess the planets were aligned properly this morning because they were just GREAT (not as good as the woman from years ago but very acceptable.) I can't believe that I actually made them!
Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits
Joy of Cooking
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Stir together in a large bowl:
1 3/4 C flour
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
Cut in using a pastry blender or 2 knives until the size of small peas:
4-6 T chilled butter or shortening or a combo (I used all butter)
Make a well in the center and add all at once:
3/4 C buttermilk
Stir just until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Knead gently and quickly, about 8-10 times. Roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin to between 1/4 and 1/2" thick. Cut with a 1 1/2" biscuit cutter (do not twist cutter in dough) dipped in very little flour and place on an ungreased baking sheet*. If desired brush tops with milk or melted butter. Bake until lightly browned 12-15 minutes.
*Separate biscuits for an all over crust or place them touching for just a crusty top.
The only thing I would change is to use a large cutter next time. I used a 2" one and the biscuits were a bit small for me.
Enjoy!