Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or soy milk
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 425° F. Lightly grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne.
Using a box grater, grate the butter into the flour mixture. Alternatively, cut the butter into very small pieces, and add to the flour mixture. With clean, dry hands, rub the butter into the flour just until it is well distributed.
Stir the grated cheese into the flour mixture. Add the milk, and stir until the the ingredients are moistened and form a stiff ball.
Turn the biscuit dough onto a floured surface, and knead a few times with floured hands.
Pat the dough into an 8-inch square. (The square will only be about 3/4-inch thick, but the biscuits will puff up nicely when they bake.) Cut the dough into 9 even squares. If you prefer round biscuits, gently reshape each square with your hands.
Transfer the biscuits to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and the tops are a light golden brown. Serve warm.
