Hootie's Mystery Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chilled vegetable shortening
• 3/4 cup chilled 7UP soda
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450º F. Whisk together the dry ingredients and add your shortening; cut it in until crumbly. Add the 7UP all at once and stir with a fork until evenly moistened. Knead 8 times on a work surface, roll out to 3/4-inch thickness and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut out 2-inch biscuits with a cutter and arrange them on a sheet 1/2 inch apart. Brush with the melted butter. Bake in the upper third of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

NOTE: These biscuits are not particularly sweet and have a strong baking powder taste. They're good, but most people will probably prefer them sweeter OR used in conjunction with something like preserves or gravy. If you want to eat them alone, I suggest either adding a couple tablespoons sugar to the recipe before baking OR drizzling with a light icing, or serving with honey. They are, however, perfect for soaking up a breakfast gravy or using as a somewhat less showy surface on which to feature a homemade preserve or jelly.