Buttermilk Biscuits
["2 c. all-purpose flour", "heaping 1/2 tsp. salt", "3 1/4 tsp. baking powder", "1 tsp. sugar, if desired", "1/2 tsp. baking soda", "5 Tbsp. chilled shortening, lard or butter or a combination", "7/8 c. buttermilk"]
["Sift the dry ingredients together into a large bowl.", "Add the cold shortening and work all through the flour with finger tips. Every bit of flour should be combined with a bit of the fat.", "Add the buttermilk and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, Knead lightly for 10 strokes.", "Stop just as soon as the dough begins to look smooth.", "Pat the dough out to approximately an 8 x 7 x 3/4-inch rectangle.", "Cut into 2 inch rounds.", "Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 500\u00b0 for 8 minutes."]
["flour", "salt", "baking powder", "sugar", "baking soda", "chilled shortening", "buttermilk"]