Preheat the oven to 450°.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.

Make a well in the center and pour the milk into the well all at once.

Stir with a fork until the dough comes clean from the sides of the bowl.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently about 10 times.

Roll or pat the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut the biscuits using a biscuit cutter or the top of a glass that has been dredged in flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the glass.

Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until done.