Flakey Goat's Milk and Thyme Biscuits

I believe that every person who loves to bake or cook needs to have a good biscuit recipe. Biscuits are so simple, yet the slightest misstep in adding the proper amount of a particular ingredient or using a less than effective technique can result in crummy biscuits. I've spent hours in the kitchen perfecting my biscuit recipe. They are flakey and soft. They are perfect for sandwiches or served simply with homemade raspberry balsamic preserves (keep your eyes open for that recipe come mid summer!)

What You'll Need:

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons dried thyme

1/3 cup shortening (or lard), cold cut into cubes

2/3 cup goat milk

½ cup butter, melted

- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, soda, and thyme.

- Using two knives, cut in the shortening until well blended (this can also be done in a food processor which will speed up the process).

- Add the goat milk and form the dough into a ball. Feel free to add a little extra flour if you need.

- Form the dough into a ball and roll out into a rectangle about ½" thick.

- Arrange the rectangle so one of the short sides is facing you. Starting from the edge closest to you and working up the rectangle, using a pastry brush or spoon, lightly cover two thirds of your dough with the melted butter. Starting with the farthest edge, fold the dough into thirds.

- Roll out the dough again and repeat the previous step about 3 more times. This process is what will make your biscuits flakey. Be careful not to roll to hard or be too harsh with your dough, otherwise your biscuits will be tough (and nobody likes tough biscuits!)

- Once you have coated and folded your dough for the last time, roll out the dough until it is about 1" thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the biscuits into equal squares. If you prefer circular biscuits like me, you can also use a round cookie cutter or even a biscuit cutter to cut out your biscuits.

- Place your cut biscuits on a greased cookie sheet and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. These babies are best served warm.

Yield: About 12