Buttermilk Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. 2
   Sift the flour with the salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. 3
   Cut in the lard until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
4. 4
   Add the buttermilk, and stir until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl.
5. 5
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth.
6. 6
   Roll out to a 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch rounds.
7. 7
   If there is no biscuit cutter at hand, use a water glass.
8. 8
   (Turn glass upside down, dust rim in flour, and cut biscuits.)
9. 9
   Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown.
10. 10
    When making homemade biscuits, I sift all my dry ingredients together, and then cut the shortening into the mix until it resembles coarse cornmeal.
11. 11
    I put it into a zippered bag and into the freezer,where it can stay for up to one year.
12. 12
    When Im ready to serve biscuits, I take out 2 1/4 cups of the dry mixture and add 1 cup of milk.
13. 13
    I roll it on a floured board and cut out biscuits as I desire.
14. 14
    This tip has saved me a lot of time and some anxiety about getting flour on my clothes, or on my face, or on the floor just as I am about to serve.