homemade angel biscuits

Instructions

• First, proof the yeast by add warm water and sugar to a glass measuring cup or bowl.
• Stir in the yeast.
• Let yeast proof while moving on the next step.
• In a large bowl, sift or whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
• Using a pastry cutter, cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles small crumbs.
• Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in the yeast mixture and buttermilk, stirring to combine just the yeast and buttermilk.
• Next begin pushing the flour mixture into the well, until everything is combined and a dough has formed.
• Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out on the work surface.
• Gently knead the dough to incorporate all the crumbs until you have a mound of soft, pliable dough.
• Fold the dough several times (this will create layers in your finished biscuits.)
• Pat the dough out into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
• Using a floured 2.5 inch round biscuit cutter, cut out 8-10 biscuits. (do not twist the cutter, simply go straight down and pull up)
• Place biscuits on a lightly greased pan, about 1/2 inch apart. ( My 9-inch pan held 8 biscuits)
• Cover pan loosely with plastic wrap and place in a very warm, draft-free location. (I put mine in the oven with just the pilot light on)
• Let rise for 1-hour and then preheat oven to 400 F.
• Remove plastic wrap and gently brush the tops with a light coating of heavy whipping cream. (This will help with browning)
• Bake for 10-12 minutes. (check on it at the 8-minute mark) Turn the oven to a low broil during the last minute to create golden tops (be sure to watch it constantly while broiling to prevent burning)
• Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.