Eating Out

Why is it that you rarely get a good meal in a restaurant? I know, I am too picky. Just once ever two weeks I'd like to say "kitchen closed" and be treated to a decent meal outside our home. And I am definitely not a great cook. In fact, I hate to cook. I could have co-authored the I Hate to Cook book back in the 1970's. But good old home cooking is still the best. Just ask my guys.

It's time for Just Plain Cooking.

Baking Powder Biscuits (Memaw's)

Set oven at 475 degrees F.

2 cups plain flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup milk

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly. Cut in shortening. Add milk to make a soft dough. Place on a floured board and roll out to 3/8 inch thick. Cut out and place in preheated greased pan. Bake at 475 degrees F for about 12 minutes.

Yields 18 two inch biscuits. Serve hot.

Buttermilk Biscuits (Memaw's)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup shortening

1 cup buttermilk (about)

Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Cut in shortening with pastry blender until mixture is coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk and stir with fork just until dough leaves the sides of the bowl. Turn out on a lightly floured board. Knead gently until smooth. Roll to 1/2 inch thick. Cut with floured cutter. Place in greased baking pan. Biscuits may be greased with butter before baking. Bake until golden brown. Serve with plenty of butter, while they are hot.

Buttermilk Substitute (found several places on the Internet)

1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon acid like lemon juice or white vinegar