Jalapeño Biscuits

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup butter, chilled and cut into pieces
• 2 medium jalapeño peppers, minced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• Melted butter (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine first 3 ingredients; cut in 2/3 cup butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until crumbly. Stir in jalapeño. Add buttermilk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
2. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 3 or 4 times. Pat or roll dough to 1/2" thickness; cut with a 2 1/2" round cutter. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
3. Bake at 425° for 16 to 18 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter, if desired, before serving.