Recipe - Montana Biscuits with whole wheat flour

Here's a recipe my dear old (I'm going to get a "look" for that) Mom sent me when I requested a recipe for biscuits made from whole wheat flour. At the bottom, in bold, are my questions to her about the recipe and next to them, unbolded, are her answers. Yes, I realize that unbolded is not a real word. Just let it go. If you have any healthy recipes to share please send them to me at heather[at]howtobeawoman.net. I will post them and give you credit with appreciation for your contribution.

Montana Biscuits (Workbasket, 3/85)

1/2 C. shortening, melted (one stick)
1 egg
3/4 C. honey
1 t. salt
1 1/2 T. baking powder
1 1/2 t. baking soda
3 C. whole wheat flour
water

Mix first six ingredients. (Add 1 C. room temperature sourdough starter?) Add flour and water --enough water to make consistency of bread dough, but not sticky.
Knead dough for 5 mins; then let dough rest for another 5 min.
Roll or pat dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out biscuits and place on ungreased pan. Bake at 350F for apprx. 15 min.
You may want to try 1/2 all purpose flour and 1/2 w.w. flour.)

(From Mom)

_______________________________

1) Do I really use shortening, or margerine? Shortening. That butter-flavored Crisco that comes in sticks would be handy; otherwise, just regular shortening in a can. Note: be sure to let the melted shortening cool before you stir in the egg! 2) Am I supposed to add the sourdough starter? Or is that optional? It's optional. I just threw that in there in case you are feeling adventurous some day. And if so, what purpose does it serve? It gives your bread, pancakes, whatever, that good tangy sourdough flavor. Regarding the Quick Sourdough Starter - is that really all you need? How do I make the bread itself? Just put some pats on a cookie sheet and bake for a while? Oh, how precious! Sourdough cookie bumps. :o) No, the starter is basically just the sourdough flavoring medium. You have to go ahead and add the flour and other bread ingredients to the cup of starter to make enough dough for a loaf of bread. There are gobs of good s.d. recipes on the internet.