Southern Yeast Biscuit Dough

Combine the water and sugar in a small bowl.

Stir in the yeast. Set aside until the mixture becomes bubbly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking soda.

Stir to mix. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender, a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles cornmeal.

Add the yeast mixture and buttermilk. Stir with a large wooden spoon until well mixed.

This will not be a smooth dough.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough until needed; it will keep about 1 week. Makes about 8 cups of dough.