mercy, mercy. i didn't think i could give 5 stars to a biscuit recipe without buttermilk, but this was (is, it is being devoured as i type) one good biscuit. i used white lily self-rise, spectrum shortening (no transfats- i'd use half butter or natural transfat free margarine instead of butter flavored crisco, if i wanted that 'chicken place' flavor... the texture & size are certainly there.) added a tsp or so of sugar, as per recommendations. but it would be fine without. cut shortening in with pastry blender to pea size lumps, stirred milk in very gently, and baked for 18 minutes. it is a fairly wet dough, but easy enough to lightly handle with floured hands (though i was skeptical at first). i think the wet dough makes the more kfc type biscuit; for a cracker barrel type, more traditional biscuit, my dough is dryer & has buttermilk. i used a greased cast iron skillet to bake them. a great addition to my biscuit repertoire. thanks, brenda! (the kids are putting homemade apple butter on them right now- well worth it!)

Reviewed On: Sep. 6, 2005

Didn't try it as written, so the amount of stars applies to how it came out- in this case, I changed a lot. Used whole wheat pastry flour, 1 & 1/2 c persimmon pulp, left out spices & nuts, added an egg & 1 1/2 c very fresh chopped medjool dates. I wanted a very sweet breakfast cake for coffee, & I got one :). I think it would be very good with walnuts also, but wanted my baby to be able to eat some- I'll try it next time.

Reviewed On: Nov. 18, 2002

awesome- reliable & delicious. my family finally approves of the bread i made, lol (i.e., not wheat or sourdough or rye- actual white bread.) as fine a white loaf as i've ever tasted, & foolproof (this is the 3rd time i've made it). my husband is very glad he got me a kitchenaid mixer for christmas last year! he is on a low carb diet, & even he eats this bread. i usually just throw it all in the mixer (except for the last cup of flour, which i add gradually if needed); i use a good white bread flour, & knead for about 10 minutes. also, i usually make something else with the extra dough (as it is a two-loaf recipe); it makes fine cinnamon rolls, & this time, hot dog buns. the best review i've ever written here- the best recipe.

Reviewed On: Nov. 13, 2002