Heat griddle slowly while mixing batter.

1 egg
1 1/4 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. sugar
2 tbsp. soft shortening
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. flour

Beat the egg well. Beat in buttermilk or sour milk and soda. Then beat in remaining ingredients. Beat with rotary beater until smooth. Turn pancakes as soon as they are puffed and full of bubbles, but before they break. Turn and brown on other side.