Cornmeal Biscuit Stars

Chive-flavored biscuits topped with cheese and a touch of hot pepper jelly are delicious.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 1½ tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. cracked pepper
• ¼ tsp. mustard powder
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh chives or scallions
• 3 Tbs. butter, cut into ½” pieces, chilled
• 6 Tbs. heavy cream
• 4 thin slices Cheddar cheese, 2 oz.
• 3 Tbs. hot pepper jelly
• Fresh thyme sprigs, optional

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheet with parchment paper. In bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper, mustard and chives. Using pastry blender or two knives, cut butter into flour mixture until crumbly. Stir in cream until mixture comes together and forms soft dough.
2. On lightly floured surface, knead dough until smooth, about 8 times; roll out to ¼” thickness. Using 2” star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 24 stars, re-rolling scraps. Place stars 2” apart on baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on pans on racks.
3. Meanwhile, using 2” star cutter, cut 3 stars from each cheese slice. About 15-20 minutes before serving, top 12 biscuits with cheese stars. Top each biscuit with ¼ tsp. pepper jelly. Garnish with thyme.