Buttermilk Biscuits

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Put the flour in a large bowl. Cut shortening into the flour with a pastry blender or two knives until it is the size of small crumbs. Add buttermilk and mix gently until just blended.

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly by folding dough over itself a couple of times—about 20 seconds is enough. Press dough lightly with fingertips to ½-inch thickness. Cut biscuits into circles with a biscuit cutter or an empty glass. Make sure that you push straight down and do not twist while cutting.

Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve with homemade preserves, jelly, honey, molasses, sorghum, sausage patties, country ham, sausage gravy … or just slather them with good ol’ butter.