Cracklin' Biscuits

Substitute salted pork skins if you do not have cracklin's.

4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup chopped hog cracklin's
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt. Mix well to ensure proper blending. Using a pastry blender, cut 2/3 cup of butter into flour mixture. Once butter has been well blended into flour, add buttermilk and chopped cracklin's. Continue to mix until biscuit dough is well formed.

Place dough on a floured board and knead lightly. Roll dough out until approximately 3/4-inch thick. Cut biscuits with a 3-inch biscuit cutter until all are formed. Place biscuits in a greased 12-inch cast iron skillet and drizzle with remaining melted butter. Bake until golden brown, approximately 25 minutes.

Makes 8 to 10 biscuits.