Combine flour, basins soda and salt; cut in the shortening with 2 knives until mixture is consistancy of coarse meal. Add buttermilk, stirring

Combine the flour, baking soda and 1/2 tsp salt; cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is consistency of coarse meal. Add the buttermilk; stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead 4-5 times. For rolled dumplings, roll the dough to 1/4"thickness and cut into 3"x1"strips. For drop dumplings, pat the dough down to 1/4" thickness, pinch off 1 1/2" pieces.

Bring your broth to a boil. Drop dumplings, 1 or 2 at a time into boiling broth and reduce heat to medium low. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking together. Cook dumplings 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.