In a memorable scene in Sweet Tea, Althea’s grandmother Ada challenges Jack to make the best biscuits he can—and he passes the test. Later on, Jack has the opportunity to make lunch for Althea, and he thinks to himself that he loves to see a pretty woman enjoy his food. There are a lot of ways to make biscuits, and this old-fashioned recipe will impress just about anyone.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
BISCUITS
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup shortening (butter, lard or vegetable shortening)
¾ cup milk or buttermilk
SAUSAGE GRAVY
1-pound breakfast pork sausage
⅓ cup flour
3 cups milk
salt and black pepper, as needed
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening until mixture has a crumbly texture. Add milk and mix into a dough, adding flour as needed until dough pulls away from side of bowl.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat dough ¾-inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits, place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
4. To make gravy: pan fry breakfast sausage until fully cooked, breaking up large pieces. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked sausage to bowl.
5. Add flour to pan dripping and whisk until golden.
6. Slowly add milk and whisk over low heat until thickened.
7. Add reserved sausage and stir to blend. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
8. Serve split biscuits topped with gravy.