Baking Powder Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg, unbeaten
2/3 cup milk

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cream of tartar into a bowl. Add shortening to flour mixture and blend together until cornmeal consistency. Pour milk into flour mixture slowly; add egg. Stir to stiff dough; knead 5 times. Roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut and bake on cookie sheet 10 to 15 minutes at 450 degrees F.

Serve with butter, hot from the oven. These can be frozen on cookie sheet.

When frozen, store in a closed plastic bag in the freezer. When ready to bake, take out desired amount, and let thaw at room temperature before baking.

Variations
Add 1/2 cup raisins or currants to batter.

Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract with the liquid ingredients.

Add 1/4 cup shredded cheese.