HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening
1/4 cup buttermilk

Heat oven to 400 [degrees] F.

Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, sugar and (if desired) salt. Using pastry blender or fork, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Slowly add buttermilk, just enough to hold mixture together.

Turn dough onto lightly floured board. Knead 30 seconds. Using rolling pin, roll dough to 1/2-inch thick. Using 2-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits.

Place biscuits, just touching, onto well-greased baking sheet; bake until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Makes 1 1/2 dozen biscuits