apple-cherry cobbler with pinwheel biscuits

this recipe is a bit more work (or so i think everything that requires a pastry blender is) but so worth it! this makes a huge and very rich portion so make it for your next supper club or time you entertain!

apple cherry cobbler with pinwheel biscuits
fruit filling...
8 large sweet red apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges (4-5lb bag will do)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
1 (12-oz.) package frozen cherries, thawed and well drained
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

biscuits2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
2/3 cup milk
2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup finely chopped roasted unsalted almonds (optional)

what to do
filling...

Preheat oven to 425°. Toss together first 3 ingredients. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add apple mixture. Cook, stirring often, 20 to 25 minutes or until apples are tender and syrup thickens. Remove from heat; stir in cherries and next 3 ingredients. Spoon apple mixture into a lightly greased 3-qt. baking dish. Bake apple mixture 12 minutes, placing a baking sheet on oven rack directly below baking dish to catch any drips.

biscuits...Stir together 2 1/4 cups flour and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut cold butter pieces into flour mixture with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly; stir in milk. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 4 to 5 times. Roll dough into a 12-inch square. Combine brown sugar and 2 Tbsp. melted butter; sprinkle over dough, patting gently. Sprinkle with almonds. Roll up, jelly-roll fashion; pinch seams and ends to seal. Cut roll into 12 (1-inch) slices. Place slices in a single layer on top of apple mixture.

Bake at 425° for 15 to 17 minutes or until biscuits are golden. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.