Cheddar Biscuits with Ham and Swiss
makes about 30 pieces
NOTE: These biscuits are best served at once, though they may be
wrapped and refrigerated for a day, then reheated for a few minutes
in a 350-degree oven. Assemble just before
serving.
Cheddar Biscuits
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for work surface
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
3 tablespoons chilled vegetable shortening
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
3/4 cup cold milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Ham and Cheese Filling
5 tablespoons honey mustard
1 pound thinly sliced ham, cut into 3-inch lengths
1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Adjust rack to center position and heat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Pulse together flour, baking powder, and salt in food processor. Add chilled butter and shortening; process until mixture resembles dry oatmeal. Transfer to large bowl. Add cheese and toss lightly with rubber spatula or fork. Stir in milk until dry ingredients are just moistened. Let dough rest for 1 minute, then transfer to a well-floured work surface.
3. Pat dough into a rough 6 by 10-inch rectangle. Using a lightly floured 11/2-inch biscuit cutter, stamp out dough rounds, cutting them close together. Dip cutter into flour before each new cut. Push scraps of dough together so that their edges join, and firmly pinch edges with fingertips to seal. Pat dough into small rectangle and cut more biscuits. (You should have about 30 altogether.) Place dough rounds 11/2 inches apart on two ungreased baking sheets. (Baking sheets may be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 3 hours.)
4. Brush dough rounds with melted butter. Bake until biscuits are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly on wire rack until just warm. Split each biscuit in half. Arrange bottom halves on platter. Spread 1/2 teaspoon mustard on each biscuit half. Loosely arrange a slice of ham over mustard, then place a piece of cheese on top of ham. Set tops of biscuits in place and serve.