• 1 cup ham steak (diced)

• 2 1/4 cups flour

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, plus more for the baking sheet, 3/4 stick)

• 1 1/2 cups smoked gouda (coarsely shredded, about 4 1/2 ounces)

• 1/4 cup chives (chopped)

• 1 1/4 cups yogurt low-fat (plain, is okay)

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, 2 sticks)

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 pinch salt

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Butter a large baking sheet (or coat it with nonstick spray).

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and baking soda. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to add the butter, working the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal. Stir in the ham, cheese and chives. Add the yogurt, stirring until just combined.

Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 12 equal mounds, about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the Maple Butter: in a medium bowl, combine the butter and maple syrup. Add salt to taste and transfer to a serving bowl.

Serve the biscuits with Maple Butter on the side.