I actually didn't make the "base" version of this recipe. I did one of the variations. I debated how to write that up. Do I just write up the variation that I did as a stand-alone recipe? Do I write it up as the main part of the post, but then include the "base" recipe as a variation? Or do I follow the same pattern as in the cookbook and keep the base recipe as the main part of the post?

Ultimately, I decided on that last approach. So, if you are following the instructions for the recipe as it appears in the main body of this post, keep in mind that I have not actually made it that way yet. I'm sure it's fine. I just can't, personally, vouch for it.

Basic Baking Powder Biscuits

Slightly adapted from The Big Book of Breakfasts by Maryana Vollstedt

Ingredients

• 250g flour
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. coarse sea salt, ground
• 5 Tbsp. butter
• 3/4 c. milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).
2. Sift the baking powder into the flour.
3. Add the sugar and salt and stir to combine.
4. Cut in the butter.
5. Mix in the milk with a fork or wooden spoon.
6. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 30-60 seconds.
7. Pat into a shape ~1cm thick.
8. Use a glass or biscuit cutter to cut out circles.
9. Gather and reroll the scraps, cutting as many more biscuits as possible.
10. Place on baking sheet and bake until done (~12 minutes).

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Variations

Basic Drop Biscuits

Ingredients

• 250g flour
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. coarse sea salt, ground
• 5 Tbsp. butter
• 1 c. milk

Directions

1. Mix as directed above.
2. Do not knead or roll.
3. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
4. Bake as directed.

Basic Flavoured Biscuits

Directions

1. Make biscuits as directed above, but sprinkle tops with a little sugar, Parmesan, paprika, or other seasoning of your choice before baking.

Basic Square Biscuits

Directions

1. Make the biscuit dough as directed above.
2. Once the dough has been rolled or patted into a relatively flat shape, cut it into 5cm squares (rather than circles). This will avoid any scraps or the need to reroll.

Basic Dessert Biscuits

Ingredients

• 250g flour
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. coarse sea salt, ground
• 5 Tbsp. butter
• 3/4 c. milk