Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

Lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening.

Combine 4 cups of the flour, the baking powder, pepper, salt, jalapenos, and cheese in a large bowl. Mix well. Add shortening and work it into the dry ingredients, using your hands, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in the half-and-half. The dough will be sticky.

Dust your work surface with 1 tablespoon of the flour. Turn the dough onto the floured surface. Gently fold each side towards the center. Pick up the dough and dust the work surface with the remaining tablespoon flour. Return the dough to the floured surface and fold each side towards the center again. Turn the dough over and lightly press it out to 1-inch thickness. Cut the biscuits using a 2 1/4-inch round cookie cutter. Place them on the baking sheet and bake until golden, 30 minutes. Serve immediately.