Southwestern Biscuits - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch of black or cayenne pepper
1/3 c. vegetable shortening
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies (mild), drained
1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 c. milk

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450\u00b0.
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.
Add and cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or two knives until mixture has the consistency of coarse crumbs.
Add remaining ingredients, adding more milk, if necessary, so dough is pliable but is still wet.
Turn dough onto a heavily floured surface and knead it lightly (8 to 10 times).
Do not overwork dough.
Roll dough to even thickness of 3/4 to 1-inch and cut out biscuits with a 2-inch round cutter (size of juice can), dipping cutter between cutting each biscuit so they won't stick.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in center of oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve immediately or bake up to 2 hours in advance and reheat 5 minutes at 300\u00b0.
Makes 12 to 14 biscuits.