Monday's Menu

On Friday night, I tried a recipe for Crab Bisque to go with our baked fish. It turned out pretty well but I think I want something a little better. So, I'll keep looking on that one.

However, when I planned the menu for that night, I wanted to keep my little seafood theme going. I decided to try making some cheddar drop biscuits like a popular seafood chain does to go with the fish and bisque.

Now, I have had those biscuits before (albeit some time ago) and I remember thinking at the time -- okay, big whoop. In fact, I remember being slightly offended that they couldn't even take the time to roll out the dough and cut it out like a proper biscuit. I really didn't get what the fuss was about. But my go-to seafood dinner side of hushpuppies didn't really seem like it would work well this time, so I thought I'd give the biscuits a try.

These turned out so well. Everyone raved. I hadn't planned on eating them, based on my previous experience at the restaurant, and I ended up having a couple (or more). They were a hit!

I started with a base recipe from my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook and mutated it in my own grand tradition. I used the remaining half-and-half that I had from the bisque but I'm sure you could just use all milk too. I probably will next time. While I don't plan to try it, I could see even adding some chopped jalapenos for a little kick. Unfortunately, I am too much of a weenie for that.

I hope you give them a try. Let me know what you thought if you do.



Cheddar Biscuits

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 Tablespoons margarine
1/2 cup half and half (or use all milk)
3/4 to 1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar (or colby jack) cheese


Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium mixing bowl. Cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in cheese, half and half, and milk to form a soft dough. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto greased pan. Bake about 10 -12 minutes. Peaks will get golden brown. Serve warm.