A staple form of bread during the 19th and early 20th century, biscuits can be made in large batches to feed a crowd. As noted, the recipe can be used for shortcakes. My mother often made similar biscuits then top with butter and chopped berries for dessert.

Baking Powder Biscuits
[and use same for shortcakes]

2 cups flour
2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 T lard
Milk

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Work in lard using fingers, then mix with enough milk to pat out dough with fingers. Cut into circles and bake in a hot oven.

Notes:
1 heaping cup of flour will make about four biscuits
2 heaping cups of flour will make about eleven biscuits