Step 1

Preheat oven to Stir together the dry ingredients, then blend in the shortening with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.

Step 2

Add milk, a bit at a time, until you can form a not-too-sticky ball of dough. Turn it out on a floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute.

Step 3

Flatten the ball of dough and roll out into a round about ½ inch thick. Prick the top all over with a fork.

Step 4

Meanwhile, melt a little shortening in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet (enough to coat the bottom). Add the round of dough to the skillet and place in the oven.

Step 5

Bake for about 6 minutes, then flip the bread and bake another 6 minutes.