Recipe: Cheddar Biscuits with Garlic Butter (like Red Lobster biscuits, from scratch)

CHEDDAR BISCUITS WITH GARLIC BUTTER

FOR THE BISCUITS:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, such as Crisco, at room temperature
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6 ounces grated cheddar cheese, about 1-1/4 cups
3/4 cup whole milk

FOR THE GARLIC BUTTER:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Lightly mist a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Pulse the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a food processor. Add the shortening and pulse until combined.

Add the 4 tablespoons butter, pulse 4 or 5 times, or until the butter is in pea-size pieces.

Add the cheese and pulse 2 or 3 times.

Pour in the milk and pulse just until the mixture is moistened and forms a shaggy dough.

Turn out onto a clean surface and gently knead until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough or the biscuits will be tough. Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in scant 1/4-cup portions, 2-inches apart.

Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

MEANWHILE, MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER:*
Melt the butter with the garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.

Brush the biscuits with the garlic butter and serve warm.

*For the Garlic Butter, alternatively you may cook in a glass measuring cup, on high in a microwave for a minute or less.

Makes 12 biscuits
Source: Food Network Magazine, October 2009