Maple Cheddar Biscuits

Before I run off to the pool, I want to share with all of you a great recipe I stumbled upon yesterday.  I was flipping through A Passion for Baking by Marcy Goldman and this recipe practically hit me in the head.  After a fun day at the pool, I gathered my charges (niece and nephew) and we ran to Publix for the ingredients.  These took no time at all to put together and they were spectacular.  Next time I have a party, I will make these but cut them into circles with a biscuit cutter, bake and fill with ham and serve them as mini "ham and cheese" apps. 

Maple Cheddar Biscuits (adapted from A Passion for Baking)

2 c. flour
1 t salt
2 t baking powder (make sure it is SUPER fresh)
1/2 c unsalted butter, cut into chunks
1/2 c shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup maple syrup then fill up to the 2/3 c mark with milk
1 c 1/2 inch chunks of sharp Cheddar cheese
melted butter for brushing

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Arrange oven rack to upper third position. 
In a food processor, add flour, salt, and baking powder and blend briefly.  Add butter and pulse to make a coarse, grainy mixture.  Turn out into a large bowl.  In center, stir in shredded cheese, egg and milk mixture.  Stir to make a stiff dough.  Fold in Cheddar chunks. 
Knead dough briefly to bring together.  Shape into a square with a 3/4 inch thickness.  Cut into 3 or 4 inch squares.  Dab with a little of the melted butter.  Bake until golden brown, about 17 to 22 minutes.  Enjoy!