Preheat oven to 450 F. In large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking soda. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Add the buttermilk and stir with a fork just until the dough pulls together.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Dip your hands in flour and bring the dough together and pat until all is 1/2-inch thick. Using a glass or biscuit cutter dipped in flour, cut into 2-1/2 inch rounds. Bring remaining dough together and continue. Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. (For biscuits with soft edges, place touching. For biscuits with crispier edges, place slightly apart.) Bake for 12 minutes or until golden.
Note: Biscuits can be made with all-purpose flour; add 2 tablespoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt.
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