Brother Ambrose's Biscuits

Marcia Kelly

Adapted from Heavenly Feasts (IUniverse, 1996)

This recipe is from JBF member, Marcia M. Kelly's book Heavenly Feasts (Bell Tower, 1996), a collection of recipes from monasteries and retreat centers she visited in the United States.

Yield

12 to 15 biscuits

Ingredients

  • 1 package yeast
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted

Method

Dissolve the yeast in the buttermilk.

Sift the dry ingredients together. Add the shortening and cheese to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.

Add the buttermilk and yeast to the dry ingredients all at once and stir until the dough pulls away from the bowl.

Knead dough by hand for 30 seconds. Roll dough out 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter.

Place squares or rounds of dough on a greased baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Let rise for 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

https://www.jamesbeard.org/recipes/brother-ambroses-biscuits