Step 1

Add the yeast to the 1/4 cup warm water and set aside.  Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar in a large bowl.  Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Make sure the yeast is dissolved in the water and add to the dough along with the buttermilk.  Mix everything together with a spoon, turn out onto floured surface, knead several times.

Step 2

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, cut out biscuits and place on a sprayed baking sheet.  Let rise about 30 minutes. (They will not rise very much)   Bake in preheated 400 degree oven about 15 minutes until golden brown.  Makes about 2 dozen biscuits.