INGREDIENTS: 
2 cups self-rising flour 
1 teaspoon sugar 
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 
1/2 cup shortening 
3/4 cup buttermilk

DIRECTIONS: 
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large
bowl, combine the flour, sugar and
baking soda. Using a pastry blender
or 2 knives, cut the shortening into
the flour until the mixture resembles
a coarse meal. Add the buttermilk and
stir with a fork just until the dough
pulls together. 

Place the dough on a lightly floured 
surface. Dip your hands in flour and
bring the dough together and pat until 
all is 1/2-inch thick. Using a glass or
biscuit cutter dipped in flour, cut into
2-1/2 inch rounds. Bring remaining dough
together and continue.

Place biscuits on an ungreased baking
sheet. (For biscuits with soft edges,
place touching. For biscuits with
crispier edges, place slightly apart.)
Bake for 12 minutes or until golden. 

Makes 12 biscuits

*Biscuits can be made with all-purpose
 flour; add 1 tablespoon baking powder
 and 1/2-teaspoon salt.