Some very nasty storms blew through here early this morning but I wanted
some biscuits. I was fully prepared for the electricity to go out so I put
a few (very few) coals on the grill and got out my trusty cast iron skillet.
Biscuits:
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. vegetable shortening
3/4 c. buttermilk
Blend dry ingredients together. Cut shortening in with a fork until the
mixture is sort of crumbly. Gradually add buttermilk and stir until you
have a soft dough that doesn't stick to the sides of the mixing bowl. Turn
the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead very briefly (too much
kneading and you'll wind up with baked hocky pucks!).
Lightly roll out the dough with a floured rolling pin to about 1/2 inch
thick. Dip a 3-inch diameter drinking glass in flour and use it to cut out
rounds of biscuits. Scoop up the remaining dough and gently roll it out to
cut the remaining biscuits.
Place the biscuits in the cast iron skillet. Check to see that the coals
are ashy and there's no flames. Place the skillet with the biscuits on the
grate of the grill. Cover the grill and run back inside (because now it's
raining like mad!) Wait about 8 minutes. Run back out with an umbrella and
lift the lid of the grill to peek at the biscuits. Good, they are nicely
risen but need to brown a tad bit more on top. Run back inside and wait 2,
3 minutes. Run back out, take the lid off the grill and grab the skillet
(remember to use a hot pad!). Run inside because it's still pouring down
rain and the lightening is terrible.
The power didn't go out but I got some really nice biscuits; had a couple
slathered with sweet butter. Oh yum! And here I thought I'd lost my knack
for biscuits. Turns out all I need is bad weather and a grill 😉
Jill