2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 to 1 1/2 cups finely grated Cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

In large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and 1/2 cup cheese. Add shortening and butter; cut into flour mixture with 2 knives or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Make a well in center, pour in milk and stir with a fork just until dough forms a ball. On a lightly floured board, knead dough lightly, about 15 times, until it is smooth. Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a 2-inch cookie cutter. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake about 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle tops of biscuits generously with grated cheese. Return to oven and continue baking until cheese is completely melted, about 3 minutes.

Serve warm.