Raised Biscuits or Rolls

Ingredients

• 2 cupfuls water (for scalding flour)
• 1/3 of a yeast cake
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• flour (enough to make a thick sponge)
• flour (enough to make a soft dough)
• 1/3 cup mixed butter and lard

Directions

The book says “a moderate oven”. The 350°F (175°C) in the steps is the modern equivalent, not the book's own figure.

1. Boil 2 cupfuls of water and add mashed potatoes.

2. Cool the mixture, then add the dissolved yeast cake.

3. Let the sponge sit in a warm place overnight.

4. In the morning, add 1 cup of warm water and salt, then enough flour to make a thick sponge.

5. Let it rise, then add flour to make a soft dough and knead for 15 minutes.

6. Let it rise again, then mix in the butter and lard.

7. Let it rise until very light, then mold into biscuits.

8. Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden.