- 2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour or whole grain pastry flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- Ground black pepper
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Add shortening; using fingertips, rub in until coarse crumbs form. Mix in 3/4 cup cheese, chives, and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme. Make well in center; add 1 cup buttermilk and stir until dough forms, gradually mixing in dry ingredients.
- Turn dough out onto floured work surface. Knead gently until combined, about 5 turns. Pat dough into 1-inch-thick rectangle. Cut into 8 squares. Transfer squares to baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon buttermilk. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme. Sprinkle with pepper. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover; chill.) Bake biscuits until golden, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.