2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup grated cheddar or other sharp cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1 cup milk
2 tbs butter, melted

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt with a fork.
• With a pastry cutter, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the grated cheese and chives.
• Add the milk and stir just until the mixture forms a soft dough that pulls away from the side of the bowl.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead quickly to mix the dough thoroughly.
• Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch think. Cut out biscuits with a floured biscuit cutter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Brush tops with melted butter and bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Makes about 2 dozen biscuits