6 c fresh blackberries (or a combination of berries) or fresh boysenberries or fresh raspberries or fresh blueberries (or a combination of berries) .
3 tbsps unbleached all-purpose flour .
1 1/2 tsps baking powder .
2 tbsps butter, cut into small pieces .
1 tbsp squeezed fresh orange juice .
cream, to serve .
Biscuit Dough Topping .
2 tsps finely grated orange zest .
4 tbsps butter, chilled .
1 tbsp vegetable shortening
Directions
Step #1 To make the berry filling, stem & carefully rinse the berries.
Step #2 Drain on paper towels.
Step #3 Transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish or 1 1/2 quart casserole.
Step #4 In a small bowl, orange zest, mix the flour, sugar, & orange juice.
Step #5 Toss with the berries, mixing carefully until they are thoroughly coated.
Step #6 If the berries are particularly tart, add more sugar to taste.
Step #7 Dot with the butter.
Step #8 Set aside the filling for 30 mins or put in the fridge for several hrs.
Step #9 Bring to about room temp before baking.
Step #10 Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step #11 To make the biscuit dough, the baking powder, 2 tbsps of the sugar, sift the flour, & salt into a bowl or food processor/blender.
Step #12 Cut 3 tbsps of the butter & the shortening into the flour mixture until it has the consistency of coarse crumbs.
Step #13 Add 1/4 c of the milk all at once & stir with a fork or pulse the machine briefly just until the dough comes together, adding more milk if necessary.
Step #14 Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface.
Step #15 Knead lightly 12 to 15 times, sprinkling with a little flour if the dough is sticky.
Step #16 (Biscuit dough can be put in the fridged for up to 2 hrs before baking.
Step #17 ).
Step #18 Press out the dough carefully into a shape that will be large enough to cover the berries.
Step #19 Transfer the dough carefully to the baking dish, crimping the edges around the dish.
Step #20 Melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter.
Step #21 Brush the top of the dough with the melted btter.
Step #22 Sprinkle top with the remaining 1 tbsp of sugar.
Step #23 With the tip of a sharp knife, cut three or four vents in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape.
Step #24 Bake for 35 to 40 mins, until the biscuit topping is golden.
Step #25 Serve warm with a spoonful of cream topping each serving.