1/3 c. shortening
1 3/4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. buttermilk
1/4 tsp. baking soda

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut shortening into flour, baking powder and salt with pastry blender until mixture resembles crumbs. Stir in just enough milk so dough leaves side of bowl. Too much milk makes dough sticky - not enough makes biscuits dry.

Turn dough on floured surface. Knead 10 times. Roll 1/2-inch thick. Cut with 2-inch biscuit cutter. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees.