2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tsp of fresh baking powder
7 tablespoons butter, cold
2 scallions, finely chopped
3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 425°F. Whisk together the flour, cayenne, black pepper, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Keep aside.
Dice the butter into small pieces. If they are too warm then place them in a bowl and place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before continuing.
Toss the cubed butter with the flour mixture until well coated. (Again, if tossing the butter is hot in your hands, place the entire mixture in the freezer for a few minutes.)
Add the scallions and cheese and toss until well coated.
Add the buttermilk and mix with your hands until it comes together. You may find you need extra buttermilk, if so go ahead but do so judiciously. Do not over mix.
Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Stir once or twice; no more Form an 8×8-inch square and cut into 2×2-inch squares and sprinkle with some good quality salt if using.
Bake at 425°F for 12-16 minutes or until golden.
Remove from the oven and let them cool.