Bacon Biscuits with Roasted Apple Butter

• Recipe by Marcia Kiesel

Ingredients

1. 10 thin slices smoked bacon (about 5 ounces)
2. 3 cups all-purpose flour
3. 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
5. 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
6. 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
7. Roasted Apple Butter 

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then finely chop. Pour the bacon fat into a small bowl and let cool; refrigerate until solid.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a bowl, whisk the flour with the salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add 5 tablespoons of the cold bacon fat. Use your fingers to gently blend it with the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the cream and chopped bacon until a loose dough forms. Scrape onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough to a 10-by-12-inch rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/4-inch squares and transfer to an ungreased baking sheet. Bake the biscuits for 22 minutes, or until golden. Let cool slightly on a wire rack and serve with Roasted Apple Butter.