Apple Cobbler with Dropped Cheddar Biscuit Topping

Ingredients

 * 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
 * 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel
 * 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
 * 4 tablespoons butter
 * 10 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
 * 3 cups flour
 * 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Sugar
 * 1 tablespoon baking powder
 * 3/4 teaspoon salt
 * 3/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
 * 1 1/2 cups coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
 * 1 cup buttermilk

Directions

 * Preheat oven to 375°.
 * In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, lemon peel and cinnamon.
 * In a 12-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
 * Add half the apples; cook, stirring, 5 minutes, until tender.
 * Gently stir into sugar mixture.
 * Repeat the process with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and apples.
 * Transfer filling to a 13" x 9" baking dish; cover and keep warm.
 * In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder and salt.
 * With a pastry blender or 2 knives used scissor-fashion, cut in remaining butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
 * Stir in cheese and buttermilk.
 * Turn dough onto a work surface (dough will be crumbly).
 * Knead until dough is smooth and holds together.
 * Drop dough by walnut-size pieces over apple mixture to cover; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup sugar.
 * Bake until filling is hot and bubbling and biscuits are golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.