1. Preheat oven to 450°.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together first 5 ingredients (through cream of tartar).
3. Using a food processor or pastry cutter, cut butter into dry ingredients until butter is in pea-sized pieces.
4. Using a fork, stir milk into dry ingredients just until dough is uniformly moist (there will be lumps).
5. Transfer dough to a large sheet of waxed paper. Using a second sheet of waxed paper (not your hands), fold dough in half a few times; pat into a square approx. 8x8", taking care not to overwork the dough.
6. Cut dough into 9 squares; transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven until light brown on top (8-10 min.).
7. Serve biscuits warm with butter and honey, or fill with scrambled eggs, ham, cheese, etc., for a true Southern-style breakfast.

Recipe courtesy of Elizabeth Ries.