Maryland Beaten Biscuits

* Exported from MasterCook Buster *

MARYLAND BEATEN BISCUITS

Recipe By : Chesapeake Bay Cooking with John Shields
Serving Size : 18 Preparation Time :
Categories : Breads Regional Cooking

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons lard -- or vegetable
-- shortening
1 3/4 cups water -- up to 2

(The oldest and most famous biscuit recipe of the Chesapeake Bay region
originated on the plantations of southern Maryland. The traditional
preparation can be termed, at the very least, a culinary cardiovascular-
aerobic exercise.

Its execution is best described by Joanne Pritchett, whose great-great
grandmother was a cook on a St. Mary's plantation: "Honey, every time I know
I'm going to make these biscuits, I get myself good and mad. Normally I think
about my sister-in-law, Darlene, who ran off with my husband right after
Granny Pritchett's funeral. That was years ago, but it still galls me into
making some of the tenderest biscuits around.")

"It's very simple. I just sift the flour and salt together in a bowl. Some
people, nowadays, like to use Crisco or something like that. But I believe in
lard. It gives it that certain taste.

"So then, I cut the lard into the flour with the tips of my fingers, working
it real quick. During this step I make believe I'm putting out Darlene's
eyes.

"Then, little by little, I pour in the cold water, until I get a good stiff
dough. Put it on a real solid table with flour. Now if your table is weak,
honey, the legs'll fall right off. I've seen it happen!

"Depending on my mood, I use an axe or a big old mallet. I make a ball out of
the dough to look like Darlene's head and, baby, I let her have it. Use the
flat side of the axe or mallet, and beat the hell out of the dough till it
blisters good. Takes about half an hour, but honey, it makes them tender as
butter.

"Form the dough into balls, the size of little eggs, and flatten ‘em a bit on
the board. Put a few pokes in the center with a fork, then bake in a hot
425øF oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Serve hot and put some liniment on
your arm, or it'll be acting up the next day."

Makes about 3 dozen biscuits

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Converted by MC_Buster.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -