MARY'S BISCUITS

Steps:

• Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Cut in shortening with a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Cover bowl& refrigerate for about 30 minutes (this step can be skipped, but it makes the dough easier to handle if it's cold).
• Make a well in the center of the mixture& add milk all at once.
• Stir just until dough clings together.
• Preheat oven to 450F degrees.
• On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 10-12 strokes (don't over-knead or handle dough too much, or it will become tough).
• Roll or pat dough to 1/2" thickness.
• Cut with a floured 2 1/2" biscuit cutter--cut straight down to the board, then twist& lift cutter--dipping cutter into flour after each cut.
• Transfer biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet.
• Place biscuits so they're almost touching, and press two fingers lightly into top of each biscuit.
• Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.
• Remove to wire rack to cool completely.
• *Note:Placing biscuits close together on baking sheet helps them to rise, as they"climb" on each other.
• Also, pressing your fingers into the center of each biscuit keeps the middles from rising higher than the sides.