Feather -Bed Biscuits Recipe

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Set aside.
2. Warm the water and milk until lukewarm, between 100 and 110 degrees F. You can be accurate using a candy thermometer or other cooking thermometer.
3. In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Stir until the yeast dissolves. Add the milk and mix well. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until moistened. The dough will be sticky.
4. Turn out the dough onto a heavily floured breadboard and knead gently until smooth, about 30 seconds. Cover the dough with a clean dishcloth and let rise for 20 minutes.
5. Gently roll out the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness. Cut it with a floured biscuit cutter about 2 inches in diameter and arrange the biscuits 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F while the biscuits rise on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. After they have risen, place the biscuits in your oven (middle rack) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes
6. Optional: Brush the tops of the hot biscuits with melted butter.
7. Cool on a rack and enjoy
8. Adapted from the Vegetarian Times Complete Cookbook