Cheddar Biscuits

I've had this Martha Stewart recipe tucked away for awhile.  I made them the other night with dinner and remembered that I REALLY liked these.  Warning - Bisquick biscuits will never satisfy once you've made these from scratch.

Makes 12 to 16

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2/3 cup milk
  

1. Heat oven to 425*.  In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, cream of tartar, sugar, and cayenne.  (If you don't like to much kick add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp pepper).

2. Cut butter into pieces and work it in with your fingers until course and crumbly.  Stir in cheese.

3. Make a well in the center of flour mixture, pour in milk, and stir with a fork just until dough comes together.  DO NOT overmix.  Turn onto a lightly floured counter and knead gently 10 to 12 times.  Count out loud and resist temptation to knead more.

4. Pat dough into a circle about 1/2 thick.  Cut out biscuits with a 2 inch round cutter. (If you don't have one, be creative.  I have used the lid off the Pam before but a smaller one works better).  Transfer biscuit to a lightly buttered baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.  Serve HOT!