Cheddar (Bacon) Drop Biscuits

I think the bacon is optional. Normally, my homemade biscuits are like rocks. These came out perfectly. Just be careful with the buttermilk - you may not need the entire amount. I never have buttermilk around, so I do the substitution: 1 tbsp. lemon juice plus enough milk to equal 3/4 cup, then let it sit for 5 minutes.

2 cups flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour) spooned lightly in cup and levelled with knife
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (optional)
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup water
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Stir with whisk. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in cheese and bacon. Add buttermilk and water, stirring until just moist. Drop dough (approximately 2 level tablespoons) 1 inch apart on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400 for 11 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.