My Favourite Biscuit Recipes

Fluffy Biscuits (source Cook's Illustrated)

• 1 cup all purpose flour (I like to play with the flours. Last time for a half batch I used 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 1/4 cup corn flour - not meal, 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1 cup cake flour
• 2tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/4 lb unsalted butter (113g) chilled and cubed
• 3/4 cup butter milk (or 3/4cup + 2 tbs of low fat milk or plain yoghurt)

1. Set oven to 220C
2. Pulse dry ingredients in food processor.
3. Add butter, pulse until mixture has only a few slightly large butter lumps. Don't over pulse.
4. Add buttermilk. Process until dough forms a ball.
5. Remove and form into 12 small balls (trying not to touch the dough too much)
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes

Best Drop Biscuits (source Cook's Illustrated)

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (I use a milk/yoghurt mixture)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)

1. Set oven to 220C.
2. Whisk dry ingredients in large bowl.
3. Combine buttermilk and melted butter in large measuring cup (or small bowl). Stir until butter forms small clumps.
4. Add wet to dry and fold together until just incorporated. Avoid over stirring.
5. Dump large tablespoons of dough onto baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes.