Biscuits Cheese and Country Ham

By KeyIngredient

Ingredients

• 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 tsp (12 mL) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) cold butter
• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) grated cheddar, preferably orange-coloured
• 1 to 2 green onions, very thinly sliced, or 1/4 cup (50 mL) snipped
• fresh chives
• 1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk or sour cream
• 8 oz (250 g) thinly sliced Virginia or other mild country ham
• 2 to 4 tbsp (25 to 60 mL) mustard or chutney

Preparation

Step 1

1. Arrange rack just above centre of oven; preheat to 450ºF (230ºC).

2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray. Stir flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until only small bits are visible. Add cheddar and green onions, tossing until evenly distributed. Pour in buttermilk; stir until dough forms.

3. Turn out onto lightly floured surface; pat until ½-inch (1-cm) thick. Cut with a 1½-inch (4-cm) round biscuit or cookie cutter. Place about an inch (2.5-cm) apart on baking sheet. Bake above oven centre for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. Cool on a rack.

4. Slice cooled biscuits in half. Cut or fold ham to fit on bottom half. Add a dab of mustard or chutney; replace top and serve. (Filled biscuits can be made ahead, covered and refrigerated; then heated uncovered in a 350ºF/180ºC oven for 5 minutes.)


Makes 40 bite-size nibbles