Woodscamp Biscuits
Description:
Step into the rustic charm of old family traditions with these Woodscamp Biscuits, a cherished recipe passed down through generations of seasoned cooks from Maine’s logging camps. With a heritage steeped in hearty meals for rugged loggers, these biscuits bring a taste of history to your table. Plus, for those mindful of health, there’s a note on substituting lard with vegetable shortening for a lighter touch.

Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Category:
Breads
Keywords:
- High In…
- < 60 Mins
- Oven
- Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 248.8
- Fat Content: 8.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 9.9mg
- Sodium Content: 451.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 35.8g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 3.5g
- Protein Content: 6.7g
Servings:
Yields 12-14 biscuits
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups buttermilk (vary as needed)
- 3 tablespoons lard (or vegetable shortening)
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 500°F:
- Get your oven ready for baking these delectable biscuits by preheating it to a toasty 500°F.
-
Prepare the Skillet:
- Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet generously to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
-
Melt the Lard:
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of lard until it’s liquid and ready to incorporate into the dough.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and shortening. Use your hands or an electric mixer for this step.
-
Achieve the Right Consistency:
- Rub the mixture between your palms until it resembles the texture of cornmeal, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
-
Add Buttermilk:
- Gradually fold in the buttermilk, using your judgment to achieve a slightly sticky dough. Adjust the amount of buttermilk as needed.
-
Form the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, being careful not to overwork it. Gently pat it down to a uniform thickness, adding more flour to prevent sticking.
-
Cut Out Biscuits:
- Using a floured round cutter, cut out biscuits and arrange them in the greased cast iron skillet. Dip the side that will touch the skillet in extra flour to prevent sticking.
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Add Finishing Touches:
- Create dimples in the center of each biscuit using a 1/2 teaspoon of melted lard, then drizzle any remaining melted lard over the biscuits for added flavor and moisture.
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Let Them Rest:
- Cover the skillet with a clean tea towel and let the biscuits rest in a slightly warm place for 10 minutes. This allows the dough to rise and develop flavor.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the skillet of biscuits into the preheated oven, then immediately reduce the temperature to 450°F. Bake for 20 minutes or until the biscuits are slightly browned on top.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, turn the biscuits out onto a clean tea towel, ready to be enjoyed hot out of the oven with your favorite spreads or alongside a comforting meal.
Indulge in the warmth and nostalgia of Woodscamp Biscuits, a testament to the enduring legacy of family recipes and the hearty flavors of Maine’s logging heritage. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these biscuits are sure to become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen.