Flaky Shortcakes

Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450 degrees F.

Sift four, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt into large bowl. Add shortening and butter. Using pastry cutter, cut-in shortening and butter until pea-size pieces form. Stir together buttermilk and egg, then add to flour mixture. Stir just until incorporated (dough will be wet and crumbly). Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead briefly until it holds together.

Pat and roll dough out into a 9-by-6-inch rectangle. Using 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut out six biscuits. Transfer biscuits to ungreased baking sheet (a cushioned or insulated baking sheet works best), spacing biscuits 2 inches apart. Sprinkle tops of biscuits with remaining 2 teaspoons sugar. Bake until shortcakes are puffed and golden, about 12 minutes. Serve hot.