Blue Cheese Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour or whole grain pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening
• cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk
• Ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl to blend.
4. Add shortening; using fingertips, rub in until coarse crumbs form.
5. Mix in 3/4 cup cheese, chives, and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme.
6. Make well in center; add 1 cup buttermilk and stir until dough forms, gradually mixing in dry ingredients.
7. Turn dough out onto floured work surface.
8. Knead gently until combined, about 5 turns.
9. Pat dough into 1-inch-thick rectangle.
10. Cut into 8 squares.
11. Transfer squares to baking sheet.
12. Brush with 1 tablespoon buttermilk.
13. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme.
14. Sprinkle with pepper.
15. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead.
16. Cover; chill.)
17. Bake biscuits until golden, about 20 minutes.
18. Serve warm or at room temperature.