Oct 15
2010

Apple Upside-Down Biscuits Recipe & A Giveaway

Apple Upside-Down Biscuit Recipe

A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to Pam Anderson (no, not that one) and her new cookbook, Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers. I followed her Spicy Coconut Shrimp Stew recipe to a T and it quickly became one of our favorite dishes for both weeknight meals and entertaining. When I was at the BlogHer Food conference in San Francisco last weekend, I had a chance to meet Pam and her daughter, Maggy (her other daughter, Sharon, was also there but we never met). Not only is this a group of very talented women, but they are kind and genuine to the core. At one of the BlogHer parties, I received a copy of Pam's book and, since I already have a copy in my kitchen, I am giving this beautiful book, filled with accessible recipes, to one of you. (See below for more details.)

This recipe is a spin-off of Pam’s Pineapple Upside-Down Biscuits. One of my boys is not a big pineapple fan, so I replaced it with Gala apples and toss in some nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon juice to make up for the acidity and flavor of the missing pineapple. The apples are laid over top of a layer of brown sugar and butter – that speaks for itself. The apples are then covered with light buttermilk biscuits, baked to a golden brown, and flipped out onto a serving platter for an oozing, caramel-filled presentation. Topped with ice cream, which slowly melts over the warm biscuits, this dessert is simply irresistible.

AppleUDBiscuits1

In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Cook, stirring, until a spreadable mixture forms. Spread the mixture on the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan.

Heat butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add sliced apples, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and starting to caramelize. Remove from the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Arrange the apples in the cake pan, on top of the brown sugar mixture.

AppleUDBiscuits2

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Grate in frozen butter and immediately rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips. Once the mixture resembles a coarse meal, toss in the buttermilk with a fork until combined. Sprinkle very small amounts of buttermilk on any dry areas and toss again with the fork.

AppleUDBiscuits3

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using your figures, pinch the dough into 10 round biscuits. Arrange on top of the apples.

AppleUDBiscuits4

Bake until the biscuits are golden brown, about 30 minutes.

AppleUDBiscuits5

Immediately invert onto serving platter. Using a spoon, serve immediately. Top each serving with a scoop of ice cream.

AppleUDBiscuitsLS

Other apple desserts:

Cookin’ Canuck’s Apple & Cheddar Cheese Turnovers with Dried Cranberries & Hazelnuts
The Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings
The Kitchn’s Sticky Spiked Double-Apple Cake with a Brown Sugar-Brandy Sauce
Ezra Pound Cake’s Southern Comfort Caramel Apple Pie

For a chance to win a copy of Pam’s book, all you have to do is leave a comment. This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada and ends Tuesday, October 19th at 5pm PST.

Plus, don’t forget to enter my fun cooking gear giveaway.

Apple Upside-Down Biscuits
Adapted from Pam Anderson’s Perfect One-Dish Dinners

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3/4 (packed) brown sugar

1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 large Gala apples (about 12 oz.), cut in half, cored, and thinly sliced
1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 stick (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, frozen
1 cup cold buttermilk, plus a few extra teaspoons if necessary

In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Cook, stirring, until a spreadable mixture forms. Spread the mixture on the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan.

Heat butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add sliced apples, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and starting to caramelize. Remove from the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Arrange the apples in the cake pan, on top of the brown sugar mixture.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Grate in frozen butter and immediately rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips. Once the mixture resembles a coarse meal, toss in the buttermilk with a fork until combined. Sprinkle very small amounts of buttermilk on any dry areas and toss again with the fork.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using your figures, pinch the dough into 10 round biscuits. Arrange on top of the apples.

Bake until the biscuits are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Immediately invert onto serving platter. Using a spoon, serve immediately. Top each serving with a scoop of ice cream.

Serves 8.

Printable recipe

Disclaimer: This book was given, at no charge, to me. There was no agreement to review or feature the book. But, darn it, I just could not help myself. It is that good.

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{ 112 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Sara October 15, 2010 at 4:16 am

This sounds so delish! I am putting it on my must bake list!

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2 Lindsey @ Hot Polka Dot October 15, 2010 at 4:25 am

Awesome idea! I honestly prefer your apple version to a pineapple one. Love the frozen butter method too. I'm crossing my fingers for the cookbook!

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3 Kat October 15, 2010 at 4:27 am

What a great looking recipe! Love the grated frozen butter idea.

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4 Becky at VintageMixer October 15, 2010 at 4:40 am

yum! that is all I have to say.

Oh and apples are on sale at the Sunflower Market so I will be making this very soon!

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5 Kathy - Panini Happy October 15, 2010 at 5:27 am

Those biscuits look amazing. I've been hearing so many great this about this cookbook, I'd love to win a copy. It was lovely to meet you last weekend, Dara!

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6 DoughGirl October 15, 2010 at 6:20 am

Ohh yumm! I am in total apple baking mode so this is right up my alley!

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7 Tia October 15, 2010 at 6:43 am

i like your new banner/layout! i also hope i win the book ;)

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8 Jenny Sunshine October 15, 2010 at 8:50 am

So simple and so good…. my mouth is watering right now!

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9 Chris October 15, 2010 at 10:17 am

those look amazing! I know what I'm going to do with the last of the apples from my trees.

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10 Holly B. Reedy October 15, 2010 at 11:20 am

Yummmm…I'm going to make this this weekend!

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11 Pegasuslegend October 15, 2010 at 11:22 am

one of our fav's I make this often yours looks wonderful and the kids got to love this its my boys favorite!

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12 warmvanillasugar October 15, 2010 at 11:25 am

Great recipe! These look amazing!

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13 MarineWife02 October 15, 2010 at 12:51 pm

Looks yummy!

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14 Corinne October 15, 2010 at 1:10 pm

Ive been baking every weekend since the arrival of Fall and just this morning I was trying to think of something I would try this weekend – I just found it! :)

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15 EJacks October 15, 2010 at 1:17 pm

This looks delicious!

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16 Belinda @zomppa October 15, 2010 at 1:19 pm

Turn me upside down for this!

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17 ravienomnoms October 15, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Oh my, that is just so beautiful! The first picture looks like it should be in a magazine, gorgeous!

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18 Jan October 15, 2010 at 1:29 pm

This sounds like a terrific dessert. Love the apples and would probably love pears or plums too.

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19 Angelique October 15, 2010 at 1:35 pm

looks so good as if I could smell it through the computer screen.

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20 Maria October 15, 2010 at 1:46 pm

I love Pam's new book. I love that you used apples. Great fall recipe!

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21 Mother Rimmy October 15, 2010 at 1:51 pm

What a perfect dish to use up the season's fresh apples! Sounds like you had a great time at the conference. :)

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22 Cathy B. @ Brightbakes October 15, 2010 at 1:58 pm

wow…this looks like "autumn-in-a-bowl"…serious yum!
love,
Cathy B. @ brightbakes

p.s.when I grow up i want my food photos to look as good as yours :)

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23 Christine S October 15, 2010 at 2:00 pm

I love apples…especially in the fall. I can't wait to try this upside down biscuit recipe. Combining two of my favourites.

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24 Kristen October 15, 2010 at 2:07 pm

I already have the book, so you don't need to put me in the giveaway, but I had to comment on how gorgeous these look. Your photos are breathtaking!

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25 Heather October 15, 2010 at 2:12 pm

Oh my! These sound heavenly Dara! And perfect for a autumn breakfast. I have heard great things about Pam's cookbook. Thanks for the chance to win it. So exciting!
It was really great meeting you last weekend. I enjoyed talking to you on Saturday morning during breakfast. I just wish we had more time. Hopefully we will get the chance to talk again soon.

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26 Jane October 15, 2010 at 2:14 pm

What an excellent idea. I love both apple desserts and biscuits (hot out of the oven) but would have never thought about combining them.

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27 Rhia October 15, 2010 at 2:16 pm

Yum, that looks so good! The buscuits look so yummy :)

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28 amber October 15, 2010 at 2:26 pm

oh my. that looks AMAZING!! i'd love to win the cookbook!!

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29 Barbara l Vino Luci Style October 15, 2010 at 2:33 pm

Just when I thought I had made enough fall desserts with apple, I spy one more. Nothing quite like the combination of apple, brown sugar and a crusty sweet dough, in any derivation!

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30 Barbara l Vino Luci Style October 15, 2010 at 2:33 pm

Just when I thought I had made enough fall desserts with apple, I spy one more. Nothing quite like the combination of apple, brown sugar and a crusty sweet dough, in any derivation!

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31 Jenny October 15, 2010 at 3:35 pm

Looks so beautiful! I am making one of Pam's recipes very soon too :)

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32 Anna@londonfoodieny October 15, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I love those gals and would love a copy of the book. I'm not a huge fan of pineapple when it's cooked either, so I love that you've provided an alternative.

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33 JudyR October 15, 2010 at 5:04 pm

What a great, easy recipe – thanks!
I will be making it this weekend.

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34 Alicia October 15, 2010 at 5:15 pm

I can't imagine this WITHOUT apple…my oh my how I love desserts with apple in them (or rather, anything with apple in them). The honeycrisps in Ontario right now could feed a small family they are so large (yet surprisingly still delicious!)

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35 Emily Malloy October 15, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Gorgeous! I mean, absolutely gorgeous.

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36 Carol Egbert October 15, 2010 at 5:27 pm

Inspired twist on upside down pineapple things.

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37 Tracy October 15, 2010 at 5:45 pm

This looks incredible! I love Pam's new book!!

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38 abby mumford October 15, 2010 at 5:46 pm

i agree with your son. down with pineapple! which means i am SUPER glad to see this recipe with something so delicious as apples.

with each recipe i read of yours, it nudges me closer and closer to the kitchen. this one might get me to turn the oven on. :)

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39 Jen Ben October 15, 2010 at 6:04 pm

Ok, so beside the fact that this dessert looks yum-0, any cookbook with "one-dish" and "easy" in the title is a book for me. With 2 young children and a hectic household, I'm desperate for "easy"…and not just a cookbook listing 10 different ways to serve chicken fingers and ketchup!

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40 Donna October 15, 2010 at 6:20 pm

Just found your blog a few days ago.Made the smoky black bean and corn vegetarian chili – awesome!!

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41 Yeni October 15, 2010 at 7:27 pm

Wow, this looks amazing. It's probably something to share with others as quickly as possible (before I eat it all)!

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42 Danielle October 15, 2010 at 7:56 pm

Oh my gosh! This looks fantastic. It's one of those things that makes me think, "why didn't I think of that?!" Yum!!

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43 bellini valli October 15, 2010 at 8:10 pm

This is such a seasonal treat. Love the biscuits and apples together!

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44 alice October 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm

This looks amazing Dara!

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45 Evan @swEEts October 15, 2010 at 8:26 pm

If you could send me a whipped up version of this tonight that would be fabulous :)

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46 Jessica October 15, 2010 at 8:32 pm

This looks delicious! Love the photos! I'm drooling :)

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47 Magic of Spice October 15, 2010 at 8:54 pm

Absolutely delightful!

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48 Bonpierce October 15, 2010 at 8:57 pm

Oh yea, you and me, this weekend! Yum

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49 laura @ a little barefoot October 15, 2010 at 9:24 pm

this looks magnificent! i am totally addicted to apples right now and this is a great excuse to get more!

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50 Fromagette October 15, 2010 at 9:53 pm

This looks WAY easier than the upsidedown apple cake I plan for this weekend…love that the biscuits aren't cooked separately as I initially thought…YUM.

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51 Anonymous October 15, 2010 at 10:20 pm

i just love fruity desserts! :)

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52 Imwaytoobusy October 15, 2010 at 10:54 pm

These look amazing! I am a sucker for any recipe that contains apples :)

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53 Chris October 16, 2010 at 12:45 am

Mmm, I love apple desserts! This looks fantastic.

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54 burntapple October 16, 2010 at 12:51 am

Delicious! Thanks for sharing!!

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55 Liz October 16, 2010 at 1:16 am

I picked 20 lbs. of apples last weekend and have been in search of a new recipe; can't wait to try this!

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56 bunkycooks October 16, 2010 at 1:17 am

I am trying to ease into the apple recipes for Fall. This is certainly a great way to do that.

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57 d October 16, 2010 at 1:33 am

Can't wait to try this. Think I might try with a new Ginger apple I found this year.

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58 Shauna October 16, 2010 at 1:55 am

Yum! Anything with apples makes me want to bake up a storm.

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59 suburban prep October 16, 2010 at 1:58 am

My favorite Fall Fruit.
Love going apple picking and making all sorts of goodies.
Thanks for the recipe.

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60 Our Family Eats October 16, 2010 at 2:54 am

This sounds great! I've bookmarked it for later. I've heard so many great things about Pam's book – I will have to put it on my list too!

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61 Monet October 16, 2010 at 4:13 am

How beautiful! I adore baked apple desserts, and between your pictures and your description, this sounds out of this world! Thank you for the kind words on my blog…your thoughts are so appreciated!

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62 Margie October 16, 2010 at 5:26 am

Yum, can't wait to try this!
misintx@yahoo.com

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63 marla {family fresh cooking} October 16, 2010 at 12:06 pm

Of course this upside down apple biscuit dessert is delish! Love that you give it a flip to get it out of the pan. I would be licking the pan & eating the biscuits all at the same time. GORGEOUS photo on the top!

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64 ladyjoust October 16, 2010 at 12:31 pm

I'm a big fan of apple desserts. These look utterly scrumptious!

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65 ceecee October 16, 2010 at 3:01 pm

Lovely – definitely on the dessert menu soon!

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66 Kim October 16, 2010 at 3:02 pm

Looks like i am going to be a busy lady this weekend… this is a must make! beautiful photo also!

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67 Fayanne October 16, 2010 at 4:51 pm

Now I just need to get some vanilla ice cream! I love apples and cinnamon, and I know my boys would love this, too.

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68 Julie October 16, 2010 at 5:44 pm

This dessert looks delicious! I always enjoy your blog… I'm planning to try your recipe for spaghetti squash with chipotle chiles tonight.

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69 Tricia October 16, 2010 at 10:35 pm

I love anything apple….thanks for the blog.

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70 Tereva October 16, 2010 at 11:28 pm

This is just what I was looking for…a delightfully different breakfast dish containing apples. Thanks!

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71 sallytomato October 16, 2010 at 11:37 pm

I've just stumbled onto your blog looking up a crockpot applesauce.
This cookbook sounds fabulous!

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72 Liz Sullivan October 17, 2010 at 2:57 am

This looks delicious! I'd love to wake up on a cool fall morning and have this for breakfast!!

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73 GreenGirl October 17, 2010 at 3:29 am

What a great recipe. I'm not a big fan of pineapple upside down cake either. I picked some apples today from the farm and as soon as I have some free time I'll make it. Thanks for sharing

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74 Susan October 17, 2010 at 4:14 am

This recipe sounds and LOOKS delicious. Like your child, both of my sons would prefer apple. I saved the printable version and I am seriously considering this as tomorrow's Sunday brunch… And I just happen to have a nice bag of organic apples!!

Thank you for the opportunity to win the book. Seriously, who doesn't LOVE cookbooks?

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75 Trish October 17, 2010 at 6:21 am

Nothing says fall like warm apple desserts with a scoop of ice cream… true comfort.

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76 Drick October 17, 2010 at 1:40 pm

such a great recipe and like most, prefer the apples too – like grating the frozen butter, have not thought of that one

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77 Kelsey October 17, 2010 at 4:15 pm

I do like pineapple but the apple makes it seem very fall!

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78 Anonymous October 18, 2010 at 2:57 am

Looks wonderful!

Thanks for sharing!

Maureen

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79 Pam October 18, 2010 at 5:57 am

OMG!….those biscuits….wish I had a spoon!

Nice giveaway!

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80 Terri. October 18, 2010 at 9:55 am

This looks so good! I love apples.

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81 Kathryn October 18, 2010 at 11:22 am

Looks Good!

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82 Gail October 18, 2010 at 12:17 pm

Love to win

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83 S Hertel October 18, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Just found your website. Love it!

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84 Diane :) October 18, 2010 at 2:27 pm

My husband loves apples. I can't wait to make this for him.
Thanks!

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85 Diane :) October 18, 2010 at 2:27 pm

My husband loves apples. I can't wait to make this for him.
Thanks!

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86 Becca G. October 18, 2010 at 3:56 pm

I'm so hungry now!

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87 Kelsey October 18, 2010 at 4:48 pm

Yummm, looks tasty =)
I love apple desserts!!

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88 Keri October 18, 2010 at 7:35 pm

What a great recipe!! I just love anything with apples. I can't wait to try this.

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89 Joe October 18, 2010 at 9:25 pm

Love to win for my wife

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90 Mary W October 18, 2010 at 10:57 pm

Sounds delicious! Can't wait to try it!

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91 Nicole W October 18, 2010 at 11:43 pm

I just found your site and from one Canuck to another, I absolutely love it! I can't wait to make these biscuits with apples from our tree!

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92 Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker October 19, 2010 at 12:16 am

Swoooooon. This looks amazing! I love comforting apple desserts, this one is perfect!

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93 Misty October 19, 2010 at 1:21 am

This looks delicious! Beautiful pictures too.

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94 Stephanie October 19, 2010 at 3:17 am

Wow, those look amazing. I've skimmed by so many dessert recipes calling for apple lately, a huge reason why I love fall – so many great foods! Wasn't so sure on the idea of apples and biscuits, until I saw these photos. Yum!

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95 Meg October 19, 2010 at 3:16 pm

A. Your rendition looks absolutely delish!
B. Thanks for hosting this giveaway! Here's hopin'… =)

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96 Lana @ Never Enough Thyme October 19, 2010 at 3:20 pm

How appropriate for the season! It's definitely apple picking time in north Georgia and seems like every little town has an apple festival going on next weekend. Very interesting combination of the biscuit topping with apples. I'll most definitely be trying this in my own kitchen soon.

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97 Laken October 19, 2010 at 3:29 pm

This looks delicious!

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98 RamblingTart October 19, 2010 at 3:30 pm

I love this beautifully homey dessert. That caramelized sauce on the bottom is dreamy! :-)

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99 Katie October 19, 2010 at 3:35 pm

Im usually not a fruit dessert lover, but I have to admit, this looks good!

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100 slush October 19, 2010 at 3:41 pm

I love anything apple. So does my hubs. Apple desserts are his fav.

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101 Gina October 19, 2010 at 4:35 pm

Upside down anything sounds like a fun time in the kitchen with my kids. Thanks for sharing the recipe…and the great giveaway!

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102 Lori October 19, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Just found your blog! Would love to win the cookbook for my daughter ~ she LOVES to cook! Thanks!

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103 Greg Patent October 19, 2010 at 5:35 pm

Definitely going to make this with apples we just picked from our Macintosh tree. Firm and juicy.

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104 Jill October 19, 2010 at 6:45 pm

I knew I needed to buy more apples for a reason! Looks delish!

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105 Chelle October 19, 2010 at 7:26 pm

That's a great recipe for fall!

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106 danasfoodforthought October 20, 2010 at 6:44 pm

These look so amazing… I'd love to try them hot out of the oven with some melty vanilla ice cream :)

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107 Raakhee October 21, 2010 at 3:05 am

apple season here i come with biscuits and apples yum yum yum.

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108 SolDucky October 23, 2010 at 3:57 am

That looks amazing!!

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109 Momma McCall November 13, 2010 at 9:07 pm

Congrats on being featured by PBS. I love your blog and was happy to follow the facebook link right back to you!

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110 SteamyKitchen January 20, 2011 at 8:29 pm

lovelovelove the photos!!!! Just wanna say "Hi!" and that you're doing just such fab job on the blog! xo

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111 Stefani October 1, 2011 at 6:35 am

Loving the apple recipes for Fall. Bookmarking this to make later this week :)

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112 Ann October 8, 2012 at 10:02 am

This looks like a recipe my mom made when I was a little girl. I’ve been looking for a recipe ever since. It is sooooo good.

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