The perfect buttermilk biscuits

KFC is not the only ones who can make soft delicious biscuits. Great for breakfast or as a side to your lunch.

You will need:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

3/4 cup buttermilk (See tips for recipe){{more}}

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup shortening

1/4 cup cold water, divided*

1 stick cold or frozen butter

(1/2 cup)

Method:

Preheat oven to 425º. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Create a well in the middle of the bowl. Add the buttermilk, egg, shortening, and 2 tbsp of the cold water into the well. Use a wooden spoon to start mixing and “cutting” to form a dough. Take care to not over-mix. Add the cubes of butter, and use your hands to knead the butter into the dough (no more than 7-8 times). Some of the butter will incorporate to help moisten the dough, but mostly you want the butter to REMAIN in small chunks throughout the dough. This will make the biscuits fluffy. Turn dough out onto a non-stick surface (use cooking spray if you need to or rub a drop of oil, but try to avoid using flour which will dry the biscuits out). Press into a 1 1/2 inch layer, making it as level as you can.

Use a round cutter to cut biscuits out. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, edges touching each other.

Rub some butter on top of the dough balls. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until outer edges start turning golden brown. Serve warm!

Tip – Homemade buttermilk

1 tbsp of either white vinegar or lemon juice in your measuring cup then add the milk until you get to the 1 cup mark. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes. The additional water can be used if you find you dough is too dry. Store at room temperature in a sealed container for up to two days.