Ingredients

2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour or whole grain pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk
Ground black pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Add shortening; using fingertips, rub in until coarse crumbs form. Mix in 3/4 cup cheese, chives, and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme. Make well in center; add 1 cup buttermilk and stir until dough forms, gradually mixing in dry ingredients.
2. Turn dough out onto floured work surface. Knead gently until combined, about 5 turns. Pat dough into 1-inch-thick rectangle. Cut into 8 squares.
3. Transfer squares to baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon buttermilk. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme. Sprinkle with pepper. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover; chill.)
4. Bake biscuits until golden, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.