Plum Cobbler with Honey and Lavender Biscuits

By thatjerseygirl

Use an ovenproof, nonreactive skillet for this recipe (not cast iron).

Ingredients

• For the topping:
• 6 oz (1 1/2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp table salt
• 3 oz (6 Tbs) cold unsalted butter, cut into 5 pieces
• 1 tsp chopped dried lavender
• 1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• 7 Tbs heavy cream
• For the filling:
• 2/3 cup mild honey (such as clover)
• 1 tsp chopped dried lavender
• 2 1/2 lb ripe plums (about 12), halved and pitted, each half cut into 3 wedges
• 1 Tbs cornstarch
• Pinch table salt

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 375 degrees.

Make the topping --
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse briefly to blend. Add the cold butter and pulse into 1/2-inch pieces, 5 to 7 pulses. Add the lavender and lemon zest and pulse briefly to combine. Pour the cream over the top and pulse just until moist crumbs form, 8 to 10 pulses. Turn the mixture out onto a work surface and gently knead until the dough comes together. Lightly flour the dough and roll it into a 9X5-inch rectangle. Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise, and cut each half into four equal pieces. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate. (The dough may be made up to 6 hours ahead.)

Make the filling --
Put the honey and lavender in a 10-inch nonreactive, ovenproof skillet (8 to 10-cup capacity). Bring to a boil over medium-low heat. In a large bowl, toss the plums with the cornstarch and salt until evenly coated. Add to the boiling honey mixture and cook, sitrring gently, until the plums release some juice and the sauce has thickened, about 6 minutes.

Assemble and Bake --
Spread the fruit into a relatively even layer. Arrange the dough pieces on top of the fruit, leaving spaces between them. Bake until the filling is bubbling and the topping is nicely brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the filling to settle and thicken before serving.