Yield:  8 biscuits

These are a delightful cross between a scone and a biscuit with the tangy flavor of goat cheese.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly grated black pepper

¼ cup chilled butter, cut into ½ inch cubes

1 – 5 ounce log soft fresh goat cheese

1 cup buttermilk (plus a bit extra for glaze)

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a Silpat. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper in a large bowl.  Using fingertips, rub the chilled butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse meal.  Stir in the chives.  Add the cheese and the buttermilk; stir in with a fork until a sticky dough forms (bits of cheese will be visible in the dough).

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently about 8 times with floured hands.  Do not over-knead!  Form into a round, about ¾ to 1 inch thick.  Cut the round into 8 wedges.  Use a pastry brush to brush on some extra buttermilk over the surface of the wedge.  Arrange the wedge on a baking sheet, slightly separating the individual wedges.  Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and cool slightly.  Serve with generous dollops of butter.