Making the Biscuits:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 500° F.

2. Over a sheet of waxed paper, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and sift again. Put the flour mixture in a large mixing bowl and add the butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, mix the flour and butter together until it resembles small, coarse crumbs. Add the half-and-half. Using a fork, stir to form large, damp clusters.

3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, press the dough together to form a large ball. Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness, dusting with more flour as needed. Using a 3-inch rounds to an ungreased baking sheet. Gather the scraps and repeat.

4. Bake, rotating the pan once halfway through baking, until the biscuits are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.