2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 tbsp. shortening
3/4 c. buttermilk or 3/4 c. milk and 1 tbsp. lemon juice or white vinegar to make sour milk

Reserve 1 tablespoon of liquid as it may be needed. Make well in center of mix, add liquid all at once. Stir to make very soft dough as quickly as possible, with a fork. Turn out on floured board. Dough should be stiff, but soft to touch and not sticky. Knead lightly about 30 seconds. Roll or pat to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with floured cutter. Bake in hot 475 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes 12 (2 inch) biscuits).