Step 1

Lightly grease 2-3 baking sheets.

Step 2

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it stand for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir the warm buttermilk into the yeast mixture.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the flour, the sugar, the salt, the baking powder, and the baking soda.

Step 5

Cut the shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6

Stir the yeast mixture into the flour mixture.

Step 7

Lightly flour a worksurface and turn the dough out onto it.

Step 8

Knead the dough lightly 3-4 times, then roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness.

Step 9

Cut the dough with a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter.

Step 10

Place the biscuits 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 11

Cover the biscuits with clean kitchen towels and let them rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 12

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 13

Bake the biscuits until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 14

Lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter.

Step 15

Serve the biscuits warm.