SAUSAGE CHEESE BISCUITS

1 1/2 cups sifted flour, divided use
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
2 tablespoons cultured buttermilk powder
1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese grated
1 pound spiced sausage

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Set aside 1 tablespoon flour for kneading the dough. Combine the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Blend well. Add the shortening and cut it in with a pastry cutter.

Add the buttermilk powder and blend well with the fingers.

Add the cheese and uncooked sausage and blend thoroughly. Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured board knead briefly.

Shape the mixture in to balls about 1 inch in diameter; rolling between the palms of the hands. As the balls are shaped arrange them on a baking sheet. The biscuits may be frozen and baked later after thawing.

Place in the oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes.

Yield about 5 dozen
Source: Craig Claiborne's Southern Cooking