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New Hampshire Vanilla Biscuits

Source of Recipe

From "Biscuit Bliss" by James Villas


Recipe Introduction

"I've never been to the Peter Christian's taverns in Hanover or Keene, New Hampshire, but I judge that the American dishes served in those locations are just as traditional and delicious as the ones found in New London. The tavern prides itself on its freshly baked biscuits, and while the savory ones that accompany various meats with gravy are memorable, the unusual, creamy vanilla ones dripping with butter and topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream are worthy of a special visit. Use every ounce of butter indicated and, for the right texture, cut the butter into the dry ingredients only till the mixture looks like coarse oatmeal. Take care not to overbake these biscuits, which should be just golden and soft inside."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
â—¦ 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
â—¦ ½ teaspoon salt
â—¦ 1 tablespoon sugar
â—¦ 1 cup (2 sticks) chilled butter, cut into pieces
â—¦ 1 cup half-and-half
â—¦ ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 425° F. Lightly flour a large baking sheet.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter till the mixture resembles oatmeal. Add the half-and-half and vanilla and stir just till the dry ingredients are moistened.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead briefly to form a large ball. Flatten the ball with the palm of your hand, then roll out quickly ¾ inch thick and cut out rounds with a 2 ½-inch biscuit cutter. Roll the scraps together and cut out more rounds.

Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheet about ½ inch apart and bake in the center of the oven till golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

Makes about 1 dozen biscuits