English Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pints All-purpose flour
• 1 coffee-cupful Cornstarch
• 3 tablespoonfuls Granulated sugar
• 1 pinch Salt
• 2 teaspoonfuls Baking powder
• 3 tablespoonfuls Butter (or vegetable shortening) (Originally lard. Substituted with butter for modern preference. Can also use vegetable shortening for similar texture.)
• 1 large Egg
• 1/2 pint Whole milk
• 1/2 cup Currants (Well washed, picked, and dried.)
• 1 tablespoonful Coriander seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoonful Butter (For greasing the biscuits after baking.)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. 2Cut in the butter (or shortening) into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add the egg, milk, currants (well washed, picked, and dried), and coriander seeds (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough forms, soft enough to handle.
4. 4Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn out the dough and roll it to a 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter. Place the biscuits on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. 5Once the biscuits are out of the oven, rub them with a little butter on a clean piece of linen.