Basil garlic cheddar biscuits/Hot spicy scones

Cheesy Scones

I was cleaning up some clutter when I came across a calendar with a Garlic cheddar biscuit recipe and I tried it out earnestly. It did not work out at first and tasted horrible. Normally, I try making a small batch, like half of the recipe before I am sure about some recipes. Intrigued by the texture and rise in the biscuit, I wanted to try it out differently and did not want to give up. It was a good decision though! I guessed, the culprit in the recipe was cream of tartar and green onions. So I changed some ingredients and completely avoided those two. I used buttermilk instead of milk and basil, garlic powder to add flavour.

It turned out impressive! So I made a big batch as I am expecting some guests. It was a triumph and I want to gloat a little by sharing this recipe with all of you. This will make a good snack and a fine finger food with any sweet wine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp dried basil or chopped fresh basil
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup buttermilk

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F
2. Grease a large baking tray with butter.
3. In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and chilli flakes.
4. Using a knife cut cold butter into tiny pieces.
5. Mix it with the flour until crumbly.
6. Stir in cheese dried basil and garlic powder.
7. Slowly add buttermilk, stir with a fork, until the dough comes together.
8. On a floured surface knead the dough 3-4 times until it holds together.
9. Roll out to 1½ cm thick disk and cut into circles using a round cookie cutter.
10. Re-roll scraps to make more.
11. Place the cut biscuit dough on the prepared baking sheet with space for expansion (about 5 cm).
12. Bake for 10-12 minutes until it starts to brown.
13. Brush biscuit top with melted butter and bake for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
14. Best served warm.

This recipe makes about 16 biscuits. It flakes and crumbles pleasantly. Add chilli powder according to your preference to have it subtle or more pronounced heat. Use it warm or warm it before serving as it can be stored in the freezer for months. It can be rolled into larger pieces and used as breakfast biscuits. Slice it in the center and add fried eggs and lettuce or some bacon strips. It will make a great snack with tea too.My husband generally avoids buttery treats but I spoil him with some of my baked bites. Normally, I tempt him but he holds his stern determination to avoid high fat snacks. And he is not a fan of anything made with cheese! After eating this biscuit he came for seconds! Glory to hot scones!