Flouring your hands if necessary, knead lightly for 10 strokes. Stop just as soon as dough begins to look smooth. Using cutter dipped in flour, cut into 2-inch rounds. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes, until lightly browned. Makes about 12 biscuits.
Beaten biscuits are legend.
Making them by hand is an ordeal - recipes call for whacking the dough for up to 30 minutes with a rolling pin or even an ax head, until the gluten gives way and the dough blisters and cracks. N.C. Today, the food processor does a credible job. With your fingertips, work in lard until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gather up dough into a ball, place in resealable plastic bag and close bag. Place on counter in cool kitchen several hours or overnight.