In a mixing bowl, sift together flours, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the cheddar and black pepper and toss to combine. In another bowl, combine egg and milk and beat lightly with a fork. Add to flour mixture all at once, stirring enough to make a soft dough.

Turn out onto a floured board and knead until combined, about 15 times. Roll or pat out into a 1-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or cut into 2×2-inch squares. Reshape and roll dough to create more biscuits with excess scraps. Brush tops with a bit of heavy cream and a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. Serve immediately with softened butter or top with meat and eggs as breakfast sandwiches.

Slightly adapeted from Joy the Baker