Makin' Biscuits

Normally Jason is in charge of breakfast but this weekend I decided to try my hand at making biscuits. Earlier in the week I had come across a recipe for angel biscuits--supposedly a foolproof way to make light and fluffy biscuits with the inclusion of baking soda, baking powder, and yeast. The best part is that the dough is supposed to rest for at least two hours and even overnight which makes it the perfect make-ahead recipe. I whipped the dough together in about 15 minutes Saturday afternoon before Jason and I headed into DC to see the Cold War Kids concert and then spent another 15 or so minutes this morning rolling the biscuits out and getting them into the oven. The result was a light biscuit with a hint of lemon-- perfect with my favorite raspberry jam. All in all a good introduction to biscuit making.

Lemon Angel Biscuits
Adapted from The Kitchn

Ingredients:
1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup low-fat milk
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
2 1/2 cups flour
2 TBL granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt  
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, well-chilled

1. Stir yeast into 1/4 cup tepid water in a small bowl. Stir to dissolve. In a large measuring cup, measure out milk and add lemon juice. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add lemon zest. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the flour. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dough until it resembles large crumbs.
3. Add yeast mixture and milk with lemon. Quickly stir to combine--until just moist.
4. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
5. Heat oven to 450. Turn the refrigerated dough onto a heavily floured surface. Knead lightly just a few times, or until the dough becomes smooth enough to pat out easily. Roll the dough to a 3/4-inch thickness and cut into rounds with a glass or a biscuit cutter.
6. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until golden.