Blue Cheese Buttermilk Biscuits

By draingal

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp coarse salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2/3 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 cup crumbled Blue cheese, divided
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, divided
• 1 cup plus 1 tbsp buttermilk
• ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.  Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl to blend.  Add shortening; using fingertips, rub in until coarse crumbs form.  Mix in ¾ cup cheese, chives, and 1 ½ tsp thyme.  Make well in center; add 1 cup buttermilk and stir until dough forms, gradually mixing in dry ingredients.  Turn dough out onto floured surface.  Knead gently until combined.  Pat dough into 1 inch thick rectangle.  Cut into 8 squares.  Transfer squares to baking sheet.  Brush with 1 tbsp buttermilk.  Sprinkle with ¼ cup cheese, 1 ½ tsp thyme and pepper.  Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.