2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
2-3 teaspoons sugar
½ cup butter-shortening ⅔ milk or buttermilk (If you use buttermilk, sift ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and increase shortening by ⅓ cup)
Preheat oven to 450º
Sift dry ingredients together well.
Use a pastry blender or fork to cut shortening into dry ingredients. Don't overwork.
Knead biscuits gently, 10-12 strokes blends all ingredients and assures tall, plump biscuits.
Cut about ¾" thick and place ¾" apart on baking sheet.
Brush tops with milk or cream for golden color.
Makes about 16 biscuits.