Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients
2 c. all-purpose flour 
4 tsps. baking powder 
1/2 tsp. baking soda 
1/2 tsp. salt 
1/4 c. Crisco vegetable shortening 
1 c. buttermilk 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. 
Add the shortening and cut it in with a pastry cutter or two knives till the mixture is well blended and mealy. 
Add the buttermilk and mix with a large spoon till the dough is soft, adding a little more buttermilk if necessary.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, using a light touch, turn the edges of the dough toward the middle, 
pressing with your hands. Press the dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness, cut straight down into even rounds with a 
biscuit cutter or small juice glass, and place the rounds 1/2 inch apart on a large baking sheet. 
Gather up the scraps of dough and repeat the procedure. Bake the biscuits just till lightly browned on top, 
about 12 minutes. 

Makes about 16 biscuits.