Sweet Biscuits

1 3/4 cups all-purpose white flour3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt5 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup milk2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamonEquipmentNonstick baking sheet, large bowl, measuring cup, measuring spoons, strainer or sifter, pastry blender or 2 table knives1. Heat oven to 450 degrees.2. Clean an area of the kitchen counter and scatter or "dust" with 1 tablespoon of flour.3. Over a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt, mixing well to blend.4. Cut the butter into small pieces and cut-in to the flour mixture using a pastry blender, 2 table knives, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.5. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour the milk into the well.6. Gently stir the dough with a fork until it forms a mass.7. Gather the dough with clean hands, form into a ball and place it on the floured surface.8. Knead the dough, pulling the edges to the center and pushing it into itself about 10 times. The dough will feel light and soft but not sticky.9. Roll or pat the dough into a 1/2-inch circle.10. With a 2- to 3-inch round cookie cutter, jar rim or drinking glass rim, cut out circles as close together as possible.11. Transfer the biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet, arranging them about 1 inch apart for crispy-sided biscuits or close together for soft-sided biscuits.12. Gather the remaining dough, form into a ball, pat into a circle 1/2-inch thick, and cut into biscuits. Transfer to the baking sheet.Cooking directions:13. Place biscuits in a preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the biscuits are puffed and golden and the tops are browned.Serves eight to 12.Nutrition values per serving: 152 calories, 7 g fat (4 g saturated), 21 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein, 18 mg cholesterol, 297 mg sodium."Absolute Beginner's Guide to Cooking" by Deb Roussou (2005 Que, $21.99)