Using Stilton and sharp cheddar is intended to mimic English Huntsman cheese, in which Stilton and Double Gloucester cheeses are combined. The biscuits have a crisp crust and tender texture, despite requiring no kneading, rolling or cutting.

Makes 12 biscuits.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2cups unbleached all purpose flour
  • 2tablespoons sugar
  • 1tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2teaspoon salt
  • 7tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1cup (packed) coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese, chilled
  • 1/2cup coarsely crumbled stilton cheese (about 2 ounces), chilled
  • 1 1/4cups chilled buttermilk
  • 1large egg

  • DIRECTIONS

    Position 1 rack in bottom third and 1 rack in top third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Butter and flour 2 large baking sheets. Whisk first 5 ingredients in large bowl to blend well. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add both cheeses; rub in with fingertips until cheeses are reduced to small pieces. Blend buttermilk and egg in small bowl. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until dough is evenly moistened.
    Using 1/3 cup dough for each biscuit, drop 6 mounds onto each prepared sheet, spacing 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake biscuits 10 minutes. Reverse positions of sheets. Bake biscuits until golden brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 10 minutes longer.
    Place biscuits in basket; serve warm.