May 2012
Sometimes simple and sophisticated packaging properly represents its contents. Sometimes a spot of tea is worth a bit of decadence. Sometimes tea inspires more than just musings, even though inspired musings are worth a shiny penny as well.
Tea for two is usually best, but sometimes a third little, tiny explorer is welcome as well.
Tea and biscuits are a pair made for quiet, slow mornings. This time, tea and biscuits were a very perfect pair connected via flavors of coconut and almond.
Coconut Almond Buckwheat Biscuits
With Peaches ‘n Cream
Ingredients
1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
½ cup local buckwheat flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup unsulphured coconut shreds
12 Tablespoons (1 stick) organic, unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup sliced almonds
1 ½ cups local buttermilk (or 1 ½ cups local milk + 1 ½ Tbs lemon juice)
½ teaspoon organic almond extract
Directions
Adjust an oven rack to the upper-middle position, and heat the oven to 425 degrees.
Grease a 9-inch skillet.
Combine the flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda and shredded coconut in a large bowl.
Rub the butter into the flour mixture until the combination resembles coarse meal.
Add the sliced almonds.
Stir in the buttermilk until combined.
Use a greased ½-cup measuring cup to transfer heaping portions of dough into the prepared skillet.
Bake until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown, 20-25 minutes.
Cool in the skillet slightly.
Serve with homemade whipped cream and warm, sweet peaches.
Whipped Topping
1 cup organic heavy cream
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Honey, to taste
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a chilled bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to serve and eat abundantly.
Peach Topping
Ingredients
4-5 organic peaches, pitted and sliced
organic unsalted butter
organic brown sugar, to taste
Directions
Add a smidge or two of butter to a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced peaches. Swirl the peaches around until they start to brown ever so slightly. Add brown sugar to your taste, and continue to swirl a bit. Remove from heat. Serve warm.
Enjoy!
