Baking Powder Biscuits

Description
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Ingredients

 * 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
 * 1 Tbs. baking powder, preferably homemade (see above)
 * 1 tsp. salt
 * 4 Tbs. cold, unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
 * 3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

2. Put flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl, and whisk to mix. Using fingers or 2 forks, quickly work butter into flour until it is the texture of oatmeal with some larger lumps remaining. Make a well in center of flour, and pour in cream. Stir just until blended.

3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly but strongly, for 6 or 7 strokes. Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a floured fork, prick surface of dough all over at 1-inch intervals, taking care that fork goes through dough.

4. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, stamp out dough. Place biscuits close together on baking sheet.

5. Bake in center of oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until biscuits are crusty and are a rich golden brown. Remove from oven, and serve.