1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
2/3 c. buttermilk or use regular milk and omit baking soda
1 tbsp. butter, melted
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda; cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until dough leaves side of bowl and rounds up into a ball. (If dough is dry, stir in 1 or 2 tablespoons additional buttermilk.) Turn until lightly floured surface. Knead lightly until smooth, about 10 times.
Roll or pat dough 3/4 inch thick; cut with 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter. Place on cookie sheet (about 1 inch apart for crusty sides, touching for soft sides). Brush tops with melted butter. Bake until golden brown 12 to 15 minutes. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Makes 6 large biscuits. Serve warm with butter and honey, sure to melt in your mouth!