serves 6

For the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

3 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, cold and cut into cubes

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

3/4 cup cold buttermilk

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 large onions, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 pounds cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup coarsely chopped basil

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

salt and coarsely ground black pepper