HAM ON BISCUITS

I enjoy entertaining friends at a brunch or lunch. They always compliment me on these special little ham sandwiches made on cheesy homemade biscuits. Usually I use Smithfield ham, but if salty ham is not your preference, any thin-sliced ham works well.

—BETSY HEDEMAN TIMONIUM, MD



START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 8 SANDWICHES


1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons sugar

1/8 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons cold butter

1/2 cup 4% cottage cheese

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

8 teaspoons butter, softened

1/2 pound sliced deli ham

1. Preheat oven to 450°. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, beat cottage cheese 2 minutes. Beat in egg and milk until blended. Stir into crumb mixture just until moistened.

2. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead 8-10 times. Pat or roll dough out to 1/2-in. thickness; cut out eight biscuits with a floured 2 1/2-in. biscuit cutter.

3. Place 1 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Split biscuits in half; spread with softened butter. Place ham on biscuit bottoms; replace tops.