Southern Biscuits

Every good Southern (US) girl knows the value of a good biscuit (I think it's similar to a scone in UK terms; correct me if I'm wrong!).  They can be eaten with any meal, even dessert, and are a staple of Southern cuisine.  There are as many recipes for biscuits as there are Southern women, but this one is my favorite.  It is amazingly simple to make and very delicious!  Since I got a cast iron skillet at Christmas (thank you, wonderful husband :D), I use it for all biscuits because it just makes them a thousand times better.  If you do not have a cast iron skillet, you can also use a 9" round cake pan or just place them with sides touching on a baking sheet.  They will still be wonderful!

To make a basic biscuit, assemble:

1-2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup cold butter (use real butter), plus 1 tbsp melted
1/2 - 3/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400F/200C.  Grease whatever pan you're using.  I used a 10" cast iron skillet.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.  Grate in the 1/4 cup butter using the large holes of a grater.  This is much easier than trying to cut in the butter!  Mix in the grated butter so it is evenly distributed.

Add in 1/2 cup milk and mix.  Add more milk as needed to form a slightly sticky (but not insanely mushy) dough.  Turn out on a well-floured surface and pat or roll to 3/8" thick.  Using a floured 2" circular cutter, cut out your biscuits and place in your pan, making sure the sides touch.  This helps them rise even higher.  Squish together any remaining scraps and repeat till all dough is used.  I usually get about 13 biscuits and can fit them in a circle of 9 around the outer edge of the skillet and 4 in the middle.  It's alright if they get a little misshapen or squished.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or till lightly-golden brown on top.  Brush with the remaining 1 tbsp melted butter and serve with your favorite jam or more butter!