2 cups all purpose or pastry flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. sugar
5 tbsp. cold butter
1/2 cup (scant) buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425°F.

In a mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, sugar).

Mix very well to evenly distribute the ingredients. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until the butter chunks are the size of large peas.

With a spatula, quickly stir in the buttermilk, pouring and mixing at the same time. When the mixture is starting to come together, pat into a disk shape on a work surface. Fold it over itself 4 or 5 times, kneading lightly, but do not overmix.

Cut into 1 1/2 inch thick circles. Arrange on baking sheets 1 inch apart. Brush tops with milk or cream and bake until lightly golden (10-15 minutes, depending on size and your oven).

Split and serve with softened butter.