by Laura Waters, Snowdon House –
A very close friend recently lost her battle with cancer and I am so missing her. Her ability to fight back was amazing, and it was always with a smile. She was a breath of fresh air and she will always be missed.
We met many years ago when our kids were little and many years went by not living close to each other. But when she moved to Victoria, it was wonderful: we picked up right where we left off and it was wonderful to have my friend back in my life. I had the honour of being able to house and help feed her family during this difficult time.
Cooking and gardening both feed my soul. When friends or family are having a difficult time and I don’t know how to help, I cook. A friend recently told me: you feed people! So I do. I can spend endless hours in my kitchen or garden, enjoying every minute and then tucking numerous things away in the freezer, dehydrating or canning for times when they are needed.
I have cookies, shortbread dough, frozen soup, biscuits, breads, quiche, pizza and an endless supply of dehydrated and canned goods.
What a wonderful thing it is to be able to show up with dinner for someone who has had a rough day.
To me, it has never been the big things that matter in life: it is all the small things. My grandmother’s baking powder biscuit recipe that I share here is very reliable and can be varied in many ways … the perfect gift for someone who is having a hard time.
They are wonderful hot out of the oven with butter, jam or other favourite toppings. Or turn them into a cheese biscuit by adding cheese to the top. I love to make herbed butter: finely chop seven to eight chives, mix with butter and serve on top of these biscuits: amazing.
They are foolproof, a delight to bake and freeze easily. I have tried eliminating the eggs and used almond milk (instead of milk) and it works well; they’re just not quite as light and fluffy.
Mrs. C’s Baking Powder Biscuits
Makes 15 three-inch biscuits. Bake at 400°
4 cups flour
8 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup of shortening your choice
2 eggs
11/3 cup milk or almond milk
Place flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl stir together. Add shortening and mix. Beat eggs and add to milk add to dry ingredients and mix. Do not over stir.
Roll dough on floured surface and cut into circles with a
glass or cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 400°
for 10-12 minutes until brown on the bottom. Enjoy!
