Flaky Currant Biscuits

Preheat oven to 450°F. In a large bowl stir together first six ingredients (through cream of tartar). Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add currants; toss to combine. Make a well in center of flour mixture. Add milk all at once. Using a fork, stir just until moistened.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough by folding and gently pressing it just until dough holds together. Pat or lightly roll dough until 3/4 inch thick.** Cut with a floured 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter; reroll scraps as needed and dip cutter into flour between cuts.

Place dough circles 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. If desired, brush with additional milk. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden. Remove from baking sheet; serve warm.