INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup diced parmigiano-reggiano cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
  • 3/4 cup milk

DIRECTIONS

  1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour with the sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Cut butter into tablspoon size pieces. Rub in 2 tablespoons of the butter with your fingers until no visible pieces remain. Rub in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter just until it is in even, pea-size pieces.
  4. Scatter grated and diced cheese over the top and toss with a rubber spatula. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the milk to make a loose dough.
  5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.Fold dough into thirds, like a business letter, and pat lightly into an 8×5-inch rectangle - about 3/4 inch thick.
  6. Using a 2-3 inch round biscuit cutter, cut 6 biscuits and place on baking sheet. Press dough scraps together and cut 2 more biscuits.
  7. Bake until tops are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm.