Chickahominy House Square Biscuits

Source: Chickahominy House, Williamsburg, Virginia

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 level teaspoons baking powder
1/2 level teaspoon baking soda
Pinch salt
4 level tablespoons lard*
1 cup buttermilk

* Lard is the shortening used for these biscuits. If using another shortening, increase amount to 5-6 tablespoons.

Into a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With a knife or pastry blender, cut in lard until mixture is the consistency of cornmeal. Handling as little as possible, mix in buttermilk.

On a floured board, roll or pat out with hands until 1/2-inch thick. Cut into 3-inch squares. Arrange in pan and bake in 425 degree F oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve hot from oven.

Makes 12.

Nutrients per biscuit: 117 calories, 4.7g fat (36% total calories), 4.75mg cholesterol, 134 mg sodium