Buttermilk Biscuits

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 450F.
2. 2
   In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until combined well.
3. 3
   With a pastry blender or your fingertips blend in shortening and butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.
4. 4
   Add buttermilk, stirring with a fork to form a soft dough, and with floured hands knead dough gently 4 times in bowl.
5. 5
   On a lightly floured surface pat dough out into a 1/2-inch-thick round.
6. 6
   Cut out as many rounds as possible with a 2-inch round cutter dipped in flour and invert 1/2 inch apart onto a large baking sheet.
7. 7
   Gather scraps into a ball.
8. 8
   Pat out dough and cut out more rounds in same manner.
9. 9
   Brush biscuits with egg wash and bake in middle of oven 12 minutes, or until golden.
10. 10
    Cool biscuits on racks.
11. 11
    Biscuits may be made 8 hours ahead and kept, wrapped well, at room temperature.
12. 12
    Reheat biscuits, wrapped in foil, before serving.