Buttermilk Biscuits

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (best if chilled in fridge first)
2 cups buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Cut cold shortening into the flour mixture with a pastry blender until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk, tossing with a fork, until dough holds together.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and form into a disk.
6. Knead lightly just a few times until smooth.
7. Pat dough to a 3/4-inch thickness. Using a biscuit cutter or glass dipped in flour, cut out biscuits.
8. Place biscuits about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. For softer biscuit sides, place biscuits next to each other.
9. Gather the trimmings and repeat forming and cutting.
10. Bake about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.