Cheese and Onion Rice Bread

Description
Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients

 * 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted, divided
 * 3/4 cup chopped onion
 * 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
 * 1 tablespoon baking powder
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * 1/3 cup shortening or margarine
 * 1 egg, lightly beaten
 * 1/2 cup milk
 * 1 cup cooked rice, cooled
 * 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
 * 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions

 * 1) Cook onion in 1 tablespoon butter in small skillet until transparent. Set aside to cool.
 * 2) Sift flour, baking powder and salt into large bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender. Combine eggs and milk. Add to flour mixture, stirring with fork just until moistened. Stir in onions, rice and 1/2 cup cheese.
 * 3) Spread dough in greased 8-inch round baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, poppy seeds and remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve Hot!