Orange Sugar Biscuits

I'm not sure if this is cheating... But those are my mom's hands rolling and cutting these delicious biscuits. I simply snapped a few photos and enjoyed the finished product with dinner. Yum, yum.

I couldn't help it. Once I found out she was making them for dinner, I ran to get my camera. I knew I had to share them with you, and because they've always been a special occasion biscuit, which we usually eat at my moms, I've never made them myself. I'm sure I will someday. But they're one of the foods I associate with my mom, and frankly, I like sitting back and reaping her rewards. I know, I know. "Terrible daughter. Stop being a taker!" I promise, I make up for it in other ways.

As I mentioned, my mom usually makes these for special meals (Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, birthdays, etc). What makes them worthy of a special meal? Well, I'm sure most of you would agree that biscuits alone are quite tasty. Especially right from the oven, hot and fluffy, with a pat of butter melting in the middle. However, these biscuits truly are special. They include a hint of orange, as well as a sugar cube melted in the top, center of the biscuit. Oh, how lovely. It really is like biting into a special treat.

Next time you have a special meal to prepare for, and you need a bread/biscuit option. Think of these! They're great for brunch, lunch or dinner.



Orange Sugar Biscuits
from mom, original source unknown as it's been in her recipe box over 30 years

2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium orange peel, finely grated
5 tablespoons shortening
2/3 cup milk


Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add the finely grated orange peel. Cut in shortening until the dough starts to resembles coarse meal the size of corn kernels. Add milk gradually, and stir until soft dough forms (don't over stir).

Turn out dough onto a floured work surface, and knead lightly (about 30 seconds). Pat or roll to 1/2-3/4 inch thick, and cut with a 2 inch round biscuit cutter. Arrange biscuits in a 9-10 inch round ungreased pie or tart pan. Biscuits can touch each other, but shouldn't be squished to fit. Dip sugar cube in orange juice and press into center of biscuits.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes to cool, serve warm.

Biscuits galore:
- Italian Pepper Biscuits, from Food Blogga
- Herbed Cheese Biscuits, from Pinch My Salt
- Buttermilk Biscuits with Goat Cheese and Chives, from Simply Recipes
- Classic Buttermilk Biscuits, from Serious Eats

Guten appetit!