Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 tablespoons chilled solid vegetable shortening
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until well combined. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead lightly a few times until smooth. Pat dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter (or the rim of a glass), cut out biscuits from the dough. Place the biscuits two inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 425° oven until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.