Emergency Or Drop Biscuits Recipe

Emergency or Drop Biscuits are a quick and easy recipe that can be whipped up in a pinch. These biscuits are perfect for times when you need a bread-like accompaniment to a meal but don't have the time or ingredients to make traditional biscuits.

The history of these biscuits is unclear, but it is believed that they gained popularity during times of food shortages or emergencies when ingredients were scarce. They are often called "emergency biscuits" because they require basic pantry staples and can be made quickly and easily.

Fun Fact: Dr. Price's Baking Powder was a popular brand of baking powder in the early 20th century. The addition of baking powder to this recipe helps the biscuits to rise and become light and fluffy.

Now, let's get to the recipe:

Emergency or Drop Biscuits

Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder (or any other baking powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening (butter or margarine can be used as a substitute)
- 3/4 cup milk or half milk and half water

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a hot temperature, around 400°F (200°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

3. Add the shortening to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the shortening in small pieces for flakiness.

4. Slowly add the milk or milk and water mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix; just combine the ingredients until they come together.

5. Prepare a floured surface, such as a clean countertop or cutting board. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently roll or pat it out to a thickness of about half an inch. Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent toughness in the finished biscuits.

6. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass with a sharp rim to cut out biscuits from the rolled dough. If you don't have a biscuit cutter, you can also drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet for a more rustic appearance.

7. Place the biscuits on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.

8. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or can be served with butter, jam, gravy, or any spread or sauce of your choice.

Emergency or Drop Biscuits are a versatile recipe that can be served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can accompany a hearty soup, be the base for biscuits and gravy, or simply be enjoyed with butter and honey.

Similar recipes to Emergency or Drop Biscuits include classic buttermilk biscuits, cheese biscuits, and biscuit-topped pot pies. All of these recipes use basic pantry staples and are relatively quick and easy to make, making them perfect for last-minute meals or emergency situations.

So, next time you find yourself needing a bread side, give these Emergency or Drop Biscuits a try. They are a delicious and reliable option that will satisfy your cravings in no time.