Step 1

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, garlic powder and cayenne in a large bowl.  Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. I have my butter very cold and grate it with a hand grater into the flour.

Step 2

Add pimentos and cheese to flour mixture and stir in buttermilk with a spoon (you can use more or less buttermilk just until you have a ball of dough you can pickup).  Put dough out onto a floured surface and cut into biscuits.

Step 3

Place biscuits on a baking sheet close together and brush tops with either melted butter or buttermilk.  I use buttermilk.  Sprinkle on smoky paprika.  Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes until brown on top.  Makes 18 biscuits.