Black Pepper and Sage Biscuits

1. Preheat the oven to 230 degrees C.

2. Stir together the flour, powered milk, baking powder, sugar, salt, pepper, cream of tartar and sage in a medium bowl.

3. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter and shortening into the dry mixture until blended thoroughly.

4. Stir in the buttermilk so the dough comes together.

5. On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and use hands to press into a circle 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.

6. Cut out the circles with a biscuit cutter or glass. Place the biscuits in cast-iron skillets, then brush the tops with melted butter.

7. Bake in the oven until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.