4 cups plus 2 tablespoons bleached all-purpose flour 1½ tablespoons baking powder 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 2 fresh jalapenos, minced 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening 1½ cups half-and-half
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening. Combine 4 cups of the flour, the baking powder, pepper, salt, jalapenos and cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Add the shortening and work it into the dry ingredients, using your hands, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in the half-and-half. The dough will be sticky. Dust your work surface with 1 tablespoon of the flour. Turn the dough onto the floured surface. Gently fold each side towards the center. Pick up the dough and dust the work surface with the remaining tablespoon of flour. Return the dough to the floured surface and fold each side towards the center again. Turn the dough over and lightly press it out to 1-inch thickness. Cut the biscuits using a 2 1/4-inch round cookie cutter. Place them on the baking sheet and bake until golden, 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
