Beaten Biscuits Recipe

1. To beat biscuits by hand: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Using your hands, work in the butter until coarse crumbs form. Add the ice water and stir with a fork just until a dough forms. Turn out on a lightly floured surface and beat with a hammer or mallet at least 200 times or until the dough blisters and becomes smooth and glossy.
2. To beat biscuits in a food processor: Put the flour and salt in the processor and spin the blade to aerate the mixture. While the processor is running, add the butter, then slowly pour in the ice water, processing until the dough forms a ball. Continue processing for about 2 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
3. To shape and bake the dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Fold it over to make 2 equal layers. Cut with a 1 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, re-rolling the scraps as you go. Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet. Using a fork, prick the top of each biscuit with 2 rows of holes. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Honey Baked Ham.