Angel Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 0.25 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 0.75 cups shortening

Instructions

1. 1

   Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl; let stand until creamy, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

3. 3

   Stir buttermilk into yeast mixture until combined, then add to dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead 4 to 5 times.

4. 4

   Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut out twenty-four 2 1/2-inch-diameter circles. Place circles onto lightly greased baking sheets so they are barely touching each other. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until almost doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

6. 6

   Bake biscuits in the preheated oven until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.