Baking Powder Biscuits

As a kid, I used to make baking powder biscuits regularly because they were so easy to make and we always seemed to have the basic ingredients on hand (baking powder, flour, salt, shortening, and milk). This week, I was inspired to show my little ones how to make this childhood staple, except with a little more flair. The kids loved them so much (especially with fruit spread), that they asked me to make more that morning. So, I guess this will be a staple in our kitchen as well.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons of white sugar
5 tablespoons butter (or other solid oil of your choice)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Cut butter into pieces and add to flour mixture, mix until flour looks coarse.
4. Slowly add milk and almond extract, and mix until dough forms a ball.
5. Roll the dough out onto a floured board 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick.
6. Cut out biscuits into desired shapes and sizes
7. Optional: brush the tops with melted butter.
8. Place biscuits on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.