ANGEL BISCUITS

Steps:

• Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water (about 105 degrees) in a one-quart bowl, and set aside.
• Place the buttermilk in a small saucepan, and heat, stirring constantly, over low heat 4 to 5 minutes, until just lukewarm. Stir into the yeast mixture, and set aside.
• In a large bowl, sift 4 cups flour with the baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add the shortening. Using two knives, a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Alternatively, the dry ingredients can be sifted into a food processor, the shortening cut in by pulsing, and the mixture transferred to a large bowl.
• Gradually add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly, to form a soft dough. Sprinkle the dough with a little more flour, form it into a ball and knead it lightly in the bowl about 2 minutes, until it is fairly smooth. Roll it on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds with a biscuit cutter or a glass. The scraps can be lightly kneaded together, rolled and cut.
• Place the biscuits at least 1 inch apart on two large ungreased baking sheets. Brush the tops with melted butter. Cover with a cloth, and set aside to rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Adjust oven rack to the lower third.
• Bake the biscuits, one sheet at a time, 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. Remove immediately from the baking sheet, and serve while still hot.