Fresh Alberta Biscuits

Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup nonfat dry milk powder
• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 0.25 cup baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups shortening
• 1.5 cups water, or as needed

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Whisk together flour, dry milk powder, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut shortening into flour mixture with a knife or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir water into mixture until uniformly moistened and a soft dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, with floured hands, knead until smooth, about 8 to 10 turns. Roll dough out to 3/4-inch thickness with a floured rolling pin. Cut biscuits with a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter; place onto a baking sheet. Press dough trimmings together, roll out again, and cut remaining dough into rounds.
4. Bake biscuits in the preheated oven until golden, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.