A quick recipe for herb and cheddar drop biscuits

Revive the tradition of homemade bread in your house with these fast and easy fresh-baked biscuits. There's no rolling or cutting required, so they go from flour bin to oven in just 15 minutes.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes.
• Cooking time: 12 minutes.
• Serves 18.

Ingredients:

• 425 g (1 3/4 c) self-rising flour
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) snipped fresh chives
• 5 ml (1 tsp) chopped fresh thyme
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) baking soda
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) margarine, cut into pieces
• 125 g (1/2 c) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 175 ml (3/4 c) low-fat buttermilk
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or coat with nonstick cooking spray. Mix flour, chives, thyme and baking soda in large bowl.
2. Cut in margarine with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 50 grams (1/4 cup) cheddar. Make a well in centre and pour in buttermilk. Mix with fork until a soft, sticky dough forms.
3. Drop heaping soup spoons of dough onto baking sheet, making 18 biscuits. Brush biscuits with egg white and sprinkle with remaining cheddar. Bake until puffy and golden, about 12 minutes.

• Despite its name, buttermilk is a low-fat beverage as well as an excellent liquid for baking. It will make these biscuits extra light in flavour. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, just stir 15 millilitres (1 tablespoon) of either vinegar or lemon juice into 250 millilitres (1 cup) fat-free milk and let it stand until the milk curdles.

Each serving provides:

• Key nutrients: 70 calories, 20 calories from fat, 3 g fat, 1g  saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 2 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates, 0 g fibre, 22 mg sodium.
• Blood pressure nutrients: 0 mg vitamin C, 3 mg magnesium, 21 mg potassium, 58 mg calcium.

• Use other herbs instead of chives and thyme. Snipped basil and sage are good choices.
• Try low-fat mozzarella or Jack cheese as a change from cheddar.

Pair this savory biscuit with a soup or meat dish for a hearty meal that's sure to impress.