Best ever biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening or butter
2/3 cup milk

Preparation:

In medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar and salt. Mix well to distribute the baking powder and the salt.
Using a pastry blender or fork, cut shortening into flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gently push the flour-shortening mixture against the sides of the bowl, making a well in the center.
Pour the milk into the well all at once. Using a fork, stir just until the mixture follows the fork around the bowl and forms soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 10 to 12 strokes.
On the lightly floured surface, pat the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Sprinkle a little flour over dough.
Cut biscuit dough with a 2 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter, pressing the cutter straight down.
Pat the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle and cut into squares or triangles using a sharp knife.
Using a metal spatula, carefully transfer the cut biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet.
Reroll scraps of dough and cut into biscuit shapes. Try to cut out as many biscuits as possible from a single rolling of dough.
Bake biscuits in 450 degrees F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until biscuits are golden.