Angel Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400°. Combine yeast and warm water in a 1-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; cut in shortening and butter with a pastry blender until crumbly.
3. 3
   Combine yeast mixture and buttermilk, and add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead about 1 minute.
4. 4
   Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a 2-inch round cutter or into 2-inch squares. Place on 2 ungreased baking sheets.
5. 5
   Bake at 400° for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.
6. 6
   Cinnamon-Raisin Angel Biscuits: Substitute 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar for 2 Tbsp. sugar. Stir 1 cup baking raisins, 2 tsp. lemon zest, and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon into flour mixture in Step Proceed with recipe as directed.
7. 7
   Note: We tested with Sun-Maid Baking Raisins.
8. 8
   Time-Saving Tips: Prepare recipe as directed through Step Shape dough into a disk; store in a glass, airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days. Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes. Roll, cut, and bake as directed in Steps 4- Unbaked biscuits may be frozen on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, 2 hours. Transfer frozen biscuits to a zip-top plastic freezer bag, and freeze up to 1 month. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking as directed.