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!