Step 1: Start Your Biscuit Mix - First, adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Next, cut the chilled shortening into the flour mix. Erika recommends getting hands-on with the process by breaking the chunks with your fingertips. Continue until only pea-sized pieces remain. Cut the butter in using the same technique. Once you’re happy with the results, place the mixture into the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients - Add the buttermilk to the chilled flour mixture. Using a fork, stir the mixture until the ingredients are combined. No dry flour should be visible. The dough should start to form into a ball, though it will remain sticky and a bit shaggy.

Step 3: Knead and Fold - Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface, adding additional flour as needed. With floured hands, pat the round into a rectangle that’s about ¼-inches thick. Fold the dough into thirds, then, lifting the short end, fold into thirds again to form a rectangle. Dust with flour as needed. Repeat the folding process once more, patting the dough to form a ½-inch thick rectangle.

Step 4: Cut the Biscuits - Cut the dough using a 2-inch round biscuit cutter. Re-form your scraps to ensure every bit of dough gets used. Place the biscuits 1-inch apart on a greased baking sheet and chill until your pretzel wash is ready.

Step 5: Add the Pretzel Wash - Bring ½ cup water to a boil and slowly stir in the baking soda. The mixture should start to foam. Remove from the heat and continue stirring. Brush the tops of each biscuit with the soda wash. In a small bowl, beat an egg with the additional teaspoon of water to form an egg wash. Brush this over your soda wash for the perfect golden-brown glow. Sprinkle salt over the tops of your batch of biscuits.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy - Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top of the biscuits are a deep golden brown. Remove biscuits from the oven and cool slightly before serving.