Better Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder 
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda 
• 0.8 cup buttermilk 
• 2 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon sugar 
• 0.5 cup vegetable shortening chilled cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Equipment

• frying pan
• oven
• mixing bowl
• blender

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients together with a fork.
2. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add buttermilk. Quickly fold dry ingredients into buttermilk with your hands until a sticky dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto floured surface. Gently fold the dough over itself 3 or 4 times to create layers.
4. Roll dough out to 3/4-inch thick.
5. Cut with a 3-inch biscuit cutter.
6. Transfer dough rounds to a sheet pan. Gather scraps and repeat. Make a dimple in the center to help the top rise evenly.
7. Brush with butter.
8. Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven until golden brown.