I used to love watching my Mother in law make biscuits. She had what she called her biscuit bowl. It always had the flour in it,never emptied. She would add shortening and buttermilk and use her hands to scoop the flour from the side of the bowl into the liquid, while mixing it with her hands. Then pinch off some of the dough and shape it. Those were the best biscuits I have ever eaten.
Yes! Back then cooking and baking were second nature and children learned by watching their elders.