Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt.

Cut in the shortening until the mixture looks like cornmeal.

Combine the egg and milk using a fork or whisk.

Add milk mixture to the flour mixture all at once.

Mix gently into a soft dough.

Turn out onto a floured surface. Using a folding motion knead the dough gently 8 times.

Roll out to ¾ inch thickness.

Cut with a biscuit cutter in a straight down motion.

Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.