2 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. buttermilk

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Measure flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and soda into bowl. Cut in shortening thoroughly, until mixture looks like meal. Stir in almost all the buttermilk. If dough is not pliable, add just enough milk to make a soft, puffy, easy to roll dough.

Round up dough on lightly floured cloth covered board. Knead lightly 20 to 25 times, about 1/2 minute. Roll a little less than 1/2" thick. Cut with floured biscuit cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. About 2 dozen 1 3/4" biscuits.

If using self rising flour, omit baking powder and salt.