Biscuits Supreme- cheap, easy, delicious

I have been baking the following biscuits since middle school.  They are SO good and so cheap to make yourself.  Don't overbake, as with any biscuit recipe, or they'll be dry and crumbly.

Bun is the expert at this recipe.  I wouldn't be surprised if he has it memorized.  He whips them up to make biscuits and gravy for the whole family.   Yum!

Biscuits Supreme

Preparation time:  8 minutes
Baking time:  10 to 12 minutes
Makes:  16 medium-sized biscuits

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup shortening or lard
2/3 cup milk

1.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.  (high-altitude 475 degrees).
2.  Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar, and sugar; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3.  Add milk all at once; stir only until dough follows fork around bowl.
4.  Turn out on lightly floured board; knead gently 1/2 minute.  Seriously-- only 30 seconds.
5.  Pat or roll 1/2-inch thick.  Cut with biscuit cutter.
6.  Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden on top.

VARIATIONS:  (1) Add 1 cup grated cheese to dry ingredients before adding milk.  (2) Use buttermilk instead of milk and use less salt.