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Bacon-Cheddar Biscuits

Source of Recipe


From "Pig: King of the Southern Table" by James Villas



List of Ingredients



• ½ pound sliced lean applewood-smoked bacon
  
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 2 Tbsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp salt
  
• Cayenne pepper to taste
  
• 1/3 cup chilled lard
  
• ½ pound extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
  
• 1 cup milk
  






Instructions



1. In a large skillet, fry the bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble finely.
   
   
2. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.
   In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne. Add the lard and cut it into the flour with a pastry cutter until the mixture is mealy. Add the bacon, cheese, and milk and stir just until the dry ingredients are well moistened.
   
   
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 4 to 5 times -- no more. Pat out the dough about ½-inch thick and cut out rounds with a 2-inch biscuit cutter. Pat the scraps together and cut out more rounds. Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheet about ½-inch apart and bake in the upper third of the oven until golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool, and then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
   
   Makes about 18 biscuits.