Cheddar-Jalapeño Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/3 cup vegetable shortening, cold
• 3/4 cup (3 oz.) grated Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped jalapeño pepper (about 3 jalapeños)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 450°.
2. 2. Sift together first 5 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Cut shortening into flour mixture with a pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs; stir in cheese and jalapeño. Add buttermilk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix.
3. 3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 3 or 4 times. Pat or roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness; cut with a 2-inch round cutter, and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Gather dough scraps together, and repeat. Bake at 450° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.