learn to make biscuits

I can’t get my biscuits to come out fluffy. They’re flat and hard!

Thank you for all the good advice and wishes. My stove is as old as I am but I finally found the right temperature setting for biscuits. (two hairs below halfway between 425 and 450!) I found an old reference to making ‘sour’ milk using 1/4 tsp vinegar to 1 cup milk. Since I only keep canned milk in the house I tried this as a substitute for buttermilk and it worked. Humidity is a factor in Florida so size and timing are a factor. After I got all those worked in, using my sifter to put all the dry ingredients together, mixing the ingredients (but not to thorough) using a combination of pastry cutter and hands, I think I can put an “I’ve Done That” on my list. I have attached a picture of my fluffy biscuits. Again – Thank You Thank You Thank You

I have tried several recipes, but so far they don’t fit into the category of “Gee, I hope she brings those to the cover-dish”. So far they all seem to come out too dense. Since I had the same problem with each recipe, I am sure it is something I am doing. I just have to figure out what that is. I am open to any suggestions.

My idea is to become a member of an Intentional Community after I move to Portland. But I have no personal skills to bring to the literal or figurative table. Biscuits. I can do that.

Biscuits can be so addicting- I love ‘em. Being a Texas girl, and having a mother that went to college in OKC (with a lot of Southern gals) I was about 7 when I learned to make biscuits. My mom always said the key was putting a little oil (or melted shortening) in the pan & then flipping the biscuits over (to coat both sides). Most recipes suggest that the pan is ungreased- hmmm… I think the real key is mixing the dough until it’s just barely mixed and then NOT TOUCHING IT OR PLAYING WITH IT. (It’s so hard, because dough begs to be touched, but if you want light & fluffy biscuits then- don’t do it!) Shoot, I think I’m having biscuits & gravy for dinner! Good luck, ya’ll!

I have a great recipe for these and once I get home (at work right now) I’ll dig it out and post it.

They’re called Gingernut biscuits, I make them in the winter and put white icing on top as I’m very sensitive to spices (it’s only ginger, mixed spices and cinnamon) and the icing cools down the taste :) Very tasty.