Betty's Best Southern Raised Biscuits

In a small bowl, mix the water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar; stir. Add yeast to milk and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and sugar; mix well. Add the shortening and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or fork until well blended (like crumbs). Combine the milk mixture and the flour mixture. Pour onto a flour sprinkled surface. Knead it into itself a few times. Roll or pat out to 1/2" thickness. Cut with a biscuit cutter (or a glass) dipped in flour. Place each biscuit on a cookie sheet coated in cooking spray. Brush with melted butter. Cover pan with plastic wrap loosely and let the biscuits rise until double, about 2 hours. Bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Serve hot or let them cool completely and freeze. Freezing Instructions: After preparing, place each biscuit on a baking sheet pan covered in parchment paper and place in freezer until frozen completely. Place frozen biscuits in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Store in freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees, adding 2 -3 minutes to the normal baking time.