Sift together all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening until the mixture looks like thick shredded oatmeal. Add the cheese and toss to combine.

Make a well in the center of the mixture. Add the buttermilk all at once. Mix with a bowl scraper until the mixture holds together.

Turn onto a lightly floured table. Using your hand pat and shape the dough into a circle 1-inch thick. Cut with a sharp, floured biscuit cutter.

Place the biscuits on a parchment lined half sheet pan at least 1" apart. Bake at 400F until (GBD) golden brown on top and flakey. (About 7 -15min.) Remove the biscuits to a cool tray.