Monday, April 13, 2009

Cheesy Goodness

Have you ever had those awesome cheesy biscuits from Red Lobster? Well if you have, then you know what I'm talking about, they're DELICIOUS! I got the baking bug yesterday but just didn't want to make something sweet, so I opted for something both quick and fantastically savory. 

I finally settled with just some quick drop biscuits with some added excitement in the form of cheddar cheese, garlic and chives. They were so fast to throw together too! I will definitely use these again if I'm in need of some biscuits for dinner in a pinch. 

Cheesy Garlic Biscuits - about 24 biscuits
adapted from The Joy of Cooking's "Quick Drop Biscuits"

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit

2 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt
A generous 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons chives (or more if you want)
5 to 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
A generous 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two knives until the butter pieces are about the size of peas.
Add in the cheese and mix well.
Add the milk and mix to combine, the mixture will be very sticky.
Using just a kitchen teaspoon, form balls about the size of a walnut and scrape onto a baking sheet with another spoon. 
Bake for 12 minutes.

These little drops of cheesy heaven filled the house with a fantastic smell. They are best right out of the oven, but could easily be reheated in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes. Enjoy!