Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cream of tartar. Whisk until fully blended.
Step 3: Incorporate the Shortening and Butter. Add the vegetable shortening and butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients. In another bowl, mix together the whole milk and honey. Make a well in the center of your dry mixture and pour in the milk-honey mixture.
Step 5: Form the Dough. Gently stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft but still a bit sticky.
Step 6: Shape the Biscuits. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out your biscuits.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are close together but not touching.
Step 8: Bake Them to Perfection. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 9: Glaze with Honey (Optional). Drizzle honey over the warm biscuits right out of the oven for a glossy finish.
