In Monarch Moon, Marney’s warm, flaky biscuits are more than just a breakfast staple—they’re a symbol of comfort, tradition, and the simple joys of life. As she works the dough, she weaves love into each fold, creating a treat that brings people together around the table. Now, you can bring a taste of Marney’s kitchen to your own home with this family biscuit recipe, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
2 cups sifted flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon soda
5 tablespoons shortening
1 cup buttermilk
Method
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and soda. Cut in shortening until you have a coarse, crumb-like texture. Add the buttermilk all at once. That’s right, just throw it all in there. Stir it until the dry ingredients are moist. Not too much, though. Your biscuits might end up tough.
Dump your dough onto a floured pastry cloth or dough board. (Floured wax paper will work but might slide around on you.) Knead for 30 seconds.
Roll or pat your dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Brush with a little melted butter. Cut with a biscuit cutter; a water glass will do in a pinch. Do not twist the cutter. Push straight down. I don’t know why. It’s what I’ve been told, and I’m not one for pushing my luck with biscuits.
The number of biscuits you get from this recipe will depend on the size of your cutter.
You can squeeze your scrap dough together, pat it down, and get a couple or three more. They don’t all have to be pretty unless you’re entering them in a contest. I’ve noticed the ugly one(s) seem to be the first to go.
Put the biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 450⁰ F oven for 12-15 minutes.
Important: Make sure you check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Too much or too little heat can cause unsatisfactory results. If you don’t have an oven thermometer, keep a close eye. I’ve had them come out too brown on top and not done in the middle. It may take a few tries, but keep at it until you find the best process for you and your oven. If you like a crisper biscuit, like me, spread them out on the pan. If you like them soft and lighter, scooch them closer together.
Good luck! If you have questions, e-mail me at bonnie@bonniektesh.com. Let me know how you do.
I’m always happy to hear from readers.
Marney hopes you like her biscuits. She says she only lets Jeb have the ugly ones. If you’ve read Monarch Moon, you understand.