Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pepper.
  3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work in the pieces of butter into the flour until; the dough is crumbly and resembles small peas.
  4. Add the herbs and the buttermilk (a bit at a time), stirring just to blend well.
  5. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, and press into and circle about 1/2-inch thick, with your fingers.
  6. Cut biscuit shapes with a biscuit cutter or a floured glass, placing them on an ungreased baking sheet.
  7. Gently reshape the dough, and repeat until no more dough is left.
  8. Brush the tops of the biscuits with a small amount of melted butter and bake in a preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Serve warm, with pats of butter or cheese spread, if desired.
  10. Note: Biscuits can be made in advance, and rewarmed easily; or left just a few minutes underbaked, frozen, then finished in the oven to thaw and cook nicely till done.