On losing, letting go of little sisters, and warm biscuits:
We never talked about this. I didn’t know how to bring it up. The 2009 Bloggies. Remember? Best New Blog? So… I sorta…. kinda…. mostly… didn’t win. The thing is, I really really wanted to win. I did. I played it cool though. On the outside, I pretended to not care either way. That was a big fat lie. But the thing about losing… it’s pretty cool actually… it makes me want to be better. It also makes me unbelievably grateful for all of your smiling faces. Fact.
I found myself in a frenzy this morning. My little sister left for a many month long European adventure. The thought of her being so far away that I can’t easily call her at two in the morning to scream our favorite Mariah Carey song at her sent me into panic mode. I calmed myself, safe in the knowledge that my sister deserved some life changing adventures and I am due many presents from far away lands upon her return.
Biscuits. If I were to hand you a warm biscuit with raspberry jam would you: a) throw it on the ground and shove me on the floor or b) thank me kindly, gobble the biscuit and give me a giant hug? If your answer involved shoving me on the floor… well, that’s kinda funny, but throwing biscuits on the floor is just plain rude. Don’t do it.
These Buttermilk Biscuits… well, they must be blessed by the heavens. I don’t think there’s any other way to explain just how good they are. They’re best right out of the oven, steaming hot, doused with butter and jam.
My dad has been making this recipe for Buttermilk Biscuits for our family for, exactly, ever. Incidentally, my sister has been swiping them of the table for as long as I can remember. They’re simple family goodness.
Dad’s Buttermilk Biscuits
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening, cold and cut into cubes
1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into cubes
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt. Cut in shortening and butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. In another bowl, combine egg and milk and beat lightly with a fork. Add to flour mixture all at once, stirring enough to make a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured board and knead about 15 times. Roll or pat out into a 1-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or cut into 2×2-inch squares. Reshape and roll dough to create more biscuits with excess scraps. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. Serve immediately.
Melissa
I just made these for New Year’s Brunch and they were THE BOMB. I am going to feel awesome about myself all day. :) Happy new year!
Teresa
Thank you! I can finally make a biscuit. It’s been 58 years in the coming but I have baked several of the biscuit recipes on your site and I think I’ve got it.
Brooke Bass
Just made these and they were the most amazing biscuits we’ve ever eaten! (And being raised in Nola, I have eaten a LOT of biscuits!) Thanks so much for sharing such an awesome family recipe :)
joythebaker
I’m so happy to hear that Brooke!
Marya
holy moly. These are AMAZING. I went on a Joy The Baker binge tonight and made these, added some cheddar and chives to half the batch, made a lentil soup inspired by yours, AND I made the choco choco chip banana bread AND the avocado edemame grapefruit salad. All in all, I win for dinner.
But these biscuits. OMG these biscuits. They are perfect. The are so flakey and good! I have a small recommendation…roll them out thin, then fold them in and press them together, you get a great pull apart flakyness!
Thanks for a stellar recipe. I will be making these over and over and over.
pam
I just made these this past weekend and my goodness, not only were they easy to make but SO DELICIOUS!
thank you for posting your dad’s recipe.
Abby
I made these a few days ago, with vegan substitutes and they were AMAZING! Can’t stop, won’t stop eating them. YOLO.
Kiki
I’m a little late to comment on this recipe (okay, a few years late) but I just wanted to tell you how excited I am to try this biscuit recipe especially after reading the comments. Is it weird that I’m excited to make biscuits?
Anyway, I love love love your podcast (you and Tracy are hilarious!) and your photography/writing skills rock.
michelle
Made these and LOVED them- thanks so much for the great recipe and wonderful instructions! Light, flaky, tender, melt in your mouth, etc! :) I used one cup whole wheat pastry flour with great results.
Diane {Created by Diane}
Oh I could sure go for a biscuit right about now, with jam of course :)
Karen
Oh and stupid me just saw the date on this post. Hahahhaa. Brilliant.
Still: pretty fun to come on this post now.
Karen
JOY! You have found your new calling: psychic baker!!!
Guess what I blogged about on Thursday calling it my Joy-the-Baker moment? Scones (or biscuits, different terminology, the same wonderful warm goodness for breakfast). I wholeheartedly approve and I would most definitely give you a huge hug if you’d offer me one of these. Also: your square ones look prettier than my round ones so I’ll be trying out the more geometric variety soon.
Helen
Joy these looks so good. I agree that it would be rude to throw a biscuit on the floor and push you down too of course. :~) Your blog is definitely a winner in my books no matter the year!!
Cindy
Thank you Joy. I know this is an old blog, BUT I was just wishing for a really good biscuit recipe today for tonight’s dinner. And voila! here it is. Thanks again. and yes, you are a bookmarked blogger on my page :)
karen
you’re killing me. these are SO good. like pie dough. we’ve eaten them with everything i can think of. my son thinks i’m the queen of the world when i make these. thank you thank you thank you!!! (and your dad too!)
Michelle Henderson
I made these last night and they were heavenly. I had them nice and warm with some of my Grandma’s Super Secret Apple Butter. Delicious!
allison
Joy-
I love that I can keep coming back to these favorites on your blog. 15 minutes before dinner was ready at my house, I was sad I didn’t think to buy bread when I was out earlier. I remembered this recipe. And voila, hot biscuits came out of the oven right when the minestrone was done!
Perfect!
Allison
maris
I don’t know HOW I never knew about your site before but I love this blog. I cook a lot but what I really love to do is bake, so I know I’m going to use a lot of these great recipes!
Barbara
This is the first recipe of biscuits that I’ve made that came out perfect. I have tried for YEARS and each time something goes wrong. I can bake anything but biscuits. SO THANK YOU for a fool proof recipe that WORKED and they taste great too. Must be the cream of tartar that gives them that guarantee rise.
Thanks again
Old Baker, New Stuntman
My Grandmother gave me the gift of how to make Biscuits… Southern Style! You know Buttermilk, Iron skillet.
I firmly believe that when we move on to what ever Heaven that you believe in, That someone you love very much will meet you with a plate of hot Biscuits. Your choice of toppings: Butter, Jam, Gravy, or MAPLE SYRUP!
When I went to college I met a woman named Erin, and she introduced me to “Cat Head” Biscuits, named so because of the size, and I am sure I was in love.
Well, I still love Biscuits.
Yogi
Hi Joy
A question. Can I cut up the dough, place it in the fridge overnight and then baked it in the morning?
Thanks.
Yogi
Kevin
Those biscuits look really good!
la vie est belle
Just made these as a treat to myself and my family. Deeelicious – I’ve never made biscuits. They were the first thing on my to do list for Spring Break. Thanks for sharing your family treasures.
sofia
i am stuck at the airport right now and those biscuits are calling to me. ahhh. they look delicious!!
gine
Oh these look amazingly delicious :-)! And don’t worry: your sister will have a great time over here :-)!
charlotte s
hey joy! just wanted to send you a hug and say that i love your blog, and i’m sure you’ll win next year! also, the biscuits look like the perfect comfort food ;)
steffi
ok, i’m stupid…. i hope you’re not insulted, but i’m also a fan of smitten kitchen and that’s where the comment about flash freezing came from.
“flash freezing
Flash freezing–the process of spacing items out on a tray, freezing them until they are firm and then storing them in more space-efficient freezer bags–is the single most revolutionizing concept I have adopted into my cooking repertoire, because it allows us to freeze uncooked dumplings, gnocchi, biscuits, scones and even scooped cookies, without them become one doughy mass. It is especially helpful when you want to get a lead time on party planning.”
~ smitten kitchen
in any case, joy, I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!
Vina
What an awesome way to explain this-now I know evreynthig!
steffi
i’m also so very sorry you didn’t win… i love your blog, and i did vote as i’m sure many of us did! but don’t you worry, we’ll get ’em next time ;)
my biscuits are in the oven as we speak, and i’m so excited for them!!
i do have to admit that i broke my wooden stirring spoon in the process… i was slightly astounded, but just went with my hands from that point forward!
also, is it ok to flash-freeze these? the recipe makes so many, and i’m just one… i know you mentioned it before for scones and i thought these are sort of similar…. well, i hope its ok.
thanks for the splendid recipe!!
Karolina
I made some last night (or, rather evening) and they were truly awsome with lots of butter and my grandpa’s red currant preserves! They are also delicious the morning after for breakfast;) Thanks for the recipe!
marianne
I’m truly sorry you didn’t win Best New Blog. I wish I could have voted! I think your blog is amazing!
Those biscuits look heavenly. Can you believe I have never made biscuits? I don’t/can’t bake, although I’m adequate in other areas of cooking. I can make great soups and several wonderful chicken recipes that turn out quite well.
jackson
but what about this? number 34, not so bad if you ask me!!!!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article5561425.ece
jackson
but what about this? number 34, not so bad if you ask me!!!!
Stacy
Joy, these look so good! I can’t wait to try them out =)
Andie
Sisters are priceless! Kinda like having a perfect biscuit recipe…there’s no replacement. I think I will make your dad’s biscuit recipe with my dad’s sauage gravy recipe and serve it to my sisters. Priceless.
rachel h.
yes for square biscuits. more vehicle for sausage gravy. xx
Sarah
Joy!
Long time no read my friend… still at the in laws, and as crazy as ever. We had a run in with a not-so-friendly- bee today! BUT, my favorite with homeade biscuits- “mouse gravy” An aunt used to tell my dad as a little boy that mouse gravy was what they made with all the mice they caught in the basement. Its that southern cream gravy with ground beef… SO, I’d axe the jelly and make it dinner with mouse gravy!
Much love!
Sarah
my little apartment
funny, I just attempted biscuits day before yesterday…they turned out a bit hard, but were still good with rhubarb jam. like little butter crackers with jam. can’t wait to try this recipe!!
Jo
So this is my first ever response to ANY blog… and I just can’t help myself anymore! Joy, your adorable self and your perfect blog make my day. For serious. You make your readers feel loved – and I hope we do the same for you! Bloggies, schmoggies. You are the best around and the only blog I read every single post to. Please know how much we love and appreciate you! If you were here right now, I’d make YOU a biscuit, thank YOU and give YOU a hug.
unconfidentialcook
These look so good…we just made biscuits (it’s been years, literally!) and my daughter wrapped them around nutella, then smothered them in pureed strawberries. Next time, we’ll try your recipe, thanks!
Hayley
I’m so jealous of your sister’s traveling opportunity! But even more so of these biscuits of yours. I’d definately be on the hug you side. Thanks for sharing!
Carolyn J.
I promise to only push you down if you are between myself and the biscuits.
Ashley
These look sublime!!! What a gorgeous recipe!
Chocolate and Toast
Ohmygawd you are reading my mind! I just wrote on my to-do list “make fresh butter and buttermilk biscuits”. I’ve been wanting to make my own butter, and of course then you have to make biscuits, because, well . . . buttermilk! And here you go and hand me a perfect recipe. Award winner or no, you are tops in my book!
Mel
These look amazing! Biscuits are like a warm snuggly hug from family. My mom came out from home in CA to Colorado and made biscuits with my daughter and me on spring break . We miss my mom but we’ve got fresh biscuits and some in the freezer for those days when we really need her snuggles.
Brindi
You’re still one of my favorite food blog, and this post is one of the reasons why. Your pictures made me be able to taste that warm biscuit and sweet jam.
Heather
You must really think we’re something special
to be sharing your amazing family recipes!
We think you’re pretty special, too.
Bloggies-shmoggies.
Kate
When I saw these in my RSS reader I read it as “Dad’s Buttermilk Pancakes” and I clicked over and thought “Hmm, those are pretty funny looking pancakes.” They are perfectly great looking biscuits though, and I will say “yes please” to the raspberry jam. There are really very few times I will say no to raspberry jam, and it makes a mess when thrown on the floor. (I have a toddler who has not yet learned to revere either biscuits or jam, let alone both together).
Lu
damn it. this blog is too good.
Manda
Mmm… biscuits! I’ve been making buttermilk biscuits since I was a wee girl in the deep south, but I’ve never tried a recipe with cream of tartar in it. That might actually work better than my normal recipes now that I’ve moved to a place with super-high altitude. Can’t wait to try it!
Distance between sisters is always painful, but look forward to the times where you can swap stories about everything that happened while you were apart… over cookies! ;)
dawn
Hmmm I need to try these. I just love how versions of tasty buttermilk biscuits there really out here in food bloggerland. Great photos!
Karin
These biscuits look great! But I have one question: I live in Germany and I haven’t seen cream of tartar in stores here. Can I just substitute baking powder for cream of tartar? Or is there a better alternative?
june
I will most certainly try these. It has only been recently that I FINALLY started making biscuits that are flaky and don’t have the consistency of hockey pucks. Why it took me so long, well, I guess I was just lazy when it came to incorporating the butter into the mix. Your biscuits look divine and the jam looks every bit as good!
The Duo Dishes
Do people get violent over biscuits??? Dang, if so, they’re messed up! If someones makes fresh biscuits for us and puts butter/honey/jam on them, we’re in love.
HelenK
If you handed me a biscuit I would eat it slowly like it was my last meal, and then I would ask for another one
NovelTeaMommy
I LUV BISCUITS. With butter. And jam. But plum instead of raspberry. So, um,yea. I chose b) thank you kindly, gobble the biscuit and give you a giant hug. And then I kindly ask for another. Let’s get stuck in this circle shall we?
On another note, Are you going to let other people to tell you who has the best blog around? Because if you are, you can listen to the people here instead of there and get the answer you want : )
Tyler
These look delicious! I’m sorry about your sister leaving, but hopefully the time will fly and she’ll be back before you know it!
noble pig
The jelly shot, is well…just perfect.
Vicki
This will be a fun Saturday breakfast treat. Your dad sounds great. Every kid should be so lucky. Here’s to your sister having a marvelous trip and here’s to you, for the best new blog around. It doesn’t have to be better, it already is. Well, maybe one thing could be better. You could spoil us with even more recipes and photos, because really, do you honestly need to sleep?
Ashley
Joy, does your sister look like you? I can’t recall if you’ve ever posted a picture of her. We’ve seen your cute-as-can-be papa…how bout a picture of you and your sis?
The biscuits look scrumptious! I’d definitely choose b) thank you kindly, gobble the biscuit and give you a giant hug!
Big love came from the creme fraiche quiche over the weekend…my boyfriend loved it! He said he could eat it ALL the time! I reminded him it was for a special occasions as it probably has lotsa calories- but it was really good! Homemade + Breakfast = love!
Margie
These biscuits are pretty, pretty amazing! Yummy, yummy, yums!
P.S. I’m sorry about your loss, but so happy for our gain. Lookout 2010!
:)
Elle
I’ll have to try these. I just made a batch of incredibly unsuccessful biscuits, so maybe this recipe will bring me more luck!
Chelle
Oh Joy, I super puffy heart you. I just adore your posts. These biscuits look incredible and I can’t wait to give them a try!
Elyse
These biscuits look totally fabulous. I would never throw one on the floor–although I might take more than my fair share. I love a nice warm biscuit with jam; sounds like a perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner treat. I know you’ll miss your sister, but it’s quite exciting that she’s off on such a big adventure–meaning you get to go to Europe vicariously!! Plus, calling cards are super reasonable–when I lived in London, I was able to call home as often as I wanted. Plus, with the time difference, it may even be a reasonably hour her time when you want to belt lyrics to Mariah (which is totally fun)! Hope these biscuits cheer you up!!
Anne Boulley
I love when it’s our Dads who pass along food treasures and not always Mom. My dad makes some great dumplings, but I need to get the recipe. And as for your sister, she’s bound to come back a changed girl, but she’ll always be your sister. I bet she misses you just as much, but has a lot to distract her. Your blog is fantastic. Just keep at it. I know I need to put more love and attention into mine and I intend to this year! Thanks for this recipe. It sounds wonderful.
anna
Throwing biscuits on the floor! Perish the thought!
Anda
First, I need to tell you that I love your blog. Second, I hate to loose myself, but happily it does not throw me into depression mode but makes me want to get better for the next occasions. And coming back to this particular post, I need to thank your dad for giving me a good idea for what to bake on Saturday morning for breakfast with my father in law.
maggie (p&c)
Yum. I, too, and collecting biscuit recipes. These look like a winner.
Sean
You’re still a winner in my book Joy haha
Great looking biscuits too! Nothing’s more satisfying than eating a warm buttermilk biscuit on Sunday morning with some quality jam
Shaw Girl
I am soooo making these this weekend! I hope your sister has a fun (but safe) European adventure!
rita
Buttermilk biscuit are the best, and they go with any meal, any time of day! My sister is leaving for Australia for five weeks in May, so I hear ya.. I’m sure they’ll both have a blast (my sister and yours) and they can tell us all about it when they get back :-)
Kim
I’ve never cooked anything that was made with shortening. Ever. Although I grew up eating many biscuits and always having the shortening in Mom’s cupboard, I’ve never had any in my own. It’s funny how life rolls. I’m going buy myself some shortening and make myself some biscuits! I’m going to dig in to that cardboard container and scoop out that ultra white magic and recreate a bit of family history. Thanks for the push from the past this morning.
Bridgett
I have some buttermilk that’s about to expire in the fridge so this is the perfect recipe today. Thank you :) They look so good. I hope your sister has the time of her life on her travels.
My First Kitchen
Biscuits make my heart sing. Seriously. And on a rainy day like today, heart-singing sounds awesome. By the way, I was sooo excited to send you my picture of me and my teacup (such a great idea by the way), but I got sick and was in no mental state (or photogenic state) to do so. Next time, I’m all. over. it. And I’ll be dealing with my own sister’s-out-of-the-country-for-longer-than-I’m-happy-with when mine heads to Africa and France. I feel your pain. I have a suggestion – soothe your soul with biscuits. There’s this awesome blogger I know who has a great dad-approved recipe.
Beth
Those look so good! I am drooling, I love any hot fresh carb,!
KT
Wow, these look perfect! How weird is it that I grew up baking with my southern grandma and still to this day don’t have a good buttermilk biscuit recipe to turn to?? I’ll give these a try.
Do you ever serve your biscuits w/anything savory? Like sausage gravy or stuffed with eggs and bacon?
Mama JJ
I made biscuits with chicken gravy just this past weekend for my visiting family—must be something about biscuits and family that go together, huh?
About losing. I took a gander at the bloggie awards and was irked. It seemed like certain blogs won all the awards—it would’ve been nice for them to share the glory, I thought. Your blog is already a spendid creation, so just relax and have fun (though I’m victim to the I’m-never-good-enough mentality, too, so I have no room to talk).
martina
Welcome to your sister!!! I hope she likes Europe so so much to convince you to come, too! You could enjoy a lot of incredible present. Every country here it’s a world apart, so a lot of things to know and to bring home! In the meantime take comfort with us, smiling faces :)
Why should someone throw away this wonderful biscuits? Take my huge hugs for these,
cheers Martina
Verbenabeth
Felt the very same when my sister went to Afghanistan on a months long humanitarian trip. Terrible, and the worry wart in me became enormous!! Hope your sister has a wonderful and safe trip.
The bisquits look marvelous, and we’ll be trying them tonight!
~B
Kate
my order of events: gobbling cookie, thanks, hug.
always the cookie first, always.
Culinary Wannabe
I am so glad you are posting these. I have been on a hunt for the best homemade biscuit and have been so sad to find that every single one I’ve made so far has been “ok,” but not nearly as good as the ones from a can. Horror, I know! Especially when the kitchen is covered in flour and my husband is like “why didn’t you just buy the ones at the store?” Erghhh!! Anyways, I have loved everything I’ve ever tried from your site though, and can’t wait to try these out!
Evan
Yep…this weekend’s breakfast. Your sister will have a wonderful time and she will be forever changed by her experiences in Europe. And yes, presents are expected. ;)
Mrs Mouse
Never mind them, Joy. You’re a winner with us!
Thank you for the blog. I’m loving your recipes and your fun approach to life.
Rebecca
Mmmm….they look so good, and the thought of a steaming hot, butter and jam covered biscuit is very enticing indeed having woken up to very grey damp weather. These may be just the thing for a post-work comfort snack. Thanks Joy!