We are trending toward soup weather, and so you need something easy to serve alongside that soup. So how about a simple Parmesan-Garlic Bun? Or call it a biscuit if you prefer. It's light, moist, and savory. Just a touch of garlic seasons the buns, and the predominant flavor comes from the Parmesan cheese. The buns also include onion powder, so they aren't your usual bland biscuit. The recipe makes only a small batch of buns, so, if you need or want more, double the recipe.
Parmesan-Garlic Buns or Biscuits -- Makes 6
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
4 tablespoons of butter, cut into small bits
2 tablespoons of canola oil
1/2 cup of buttermilk
2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, plus a little extra for sprinkling
Butter for brushing (definitely optional)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a small baking sheet with baking parchment. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry blender. Drizzle on the canola oil and cut it into the flour mixture, too. Stir in the buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Keep stirring to bring the dough together. With your hands break off six small balls of dough, a little larger than a golf ball. Roll the balls a little to bring them together or leave them "free form" (no one here is going to judge you on the appearance of your buns!) Place the balls on the parchment paper, flatten them just a bit (so they don't roll off the sheet and onto the bottom of your oven), and sprinkle the tops with a little Parmesan. Bake the buns for about 15 minutes or until puffed and golden on top. If you want better looking buns (be still my heart--you won't get these at the gym!), go ahead and brush the tops with butter.
