Buttermilk-Raisin Biscuits

1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup apple juice or cider
4 cups self-rising soft wheat flour
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Soak raisins in apple juice or cider for 4 to 8 hours; drain, discarding juice, and set raisins aside.

Combine flour and sugar in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a fork or pastry bender until shortening is the size of peas. Add milk, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened (dough will resemble cottage cheese and be sticky.) Turn dough out onto a heavily floured surface; add raisins. Knead lightly 10 to 12 times. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness; cut with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter. Bake at 475 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with unsalted butter.

Yields 2 dozen.