Peppery White Cheddar Biscuits

By marlene

Ingredients

• 4 cups all purpose flour 2 tbs baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cup [6 ounce] finely crumbled or shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 2 to 3 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 tsp water

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400*. Lightly grease a large baking sheet, set aside. In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening and butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cheese and pepper, mix well. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Add milk all at once, stir until just moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough 10 to 12 strokes until almost smooth. Divide dough in half. Roll or pat each half of dough into a 6 inch square I inch thick. Using a ruler or sharp knife, cut both squares of dough into 2 inch squares. Combine egg and water. Brush tops of biscuits with egg mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden on top. Serve warm. Makes 18-2 inch square biscuits or 20-2 inch round biscuits.