1. In a small saucepan melt butter over medium. Cook 5 to 7 minutes more or until butter turns a deep golden brown. Pour into a small bowl. Let cool 5 minutes; freeze 1 hour or until solid.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F. For biscuit dough: In a medium bowl stir together flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, the baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt. Using the large holes of a box grater, shred butter into flour mixture**. Combine with a fork. Make a well in center; add 1 cup half-and-half. Stir with a fork until mixture just comes together.

3. On a lightly floured surface gently knead dough into a ball; pat into a 1/2-inch thick round. Using a floured 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut dough into eight circles, rerolling scraps as necessary. Brush tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon half-and half. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

4. In an extra-large bowl combine the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the cornstarch, orange zest, and cinnamon. Stir in cherries, reserved juice if using frozen, orange juice, and vanilla to combine. Spoon into a 2-quart baking dish. Arrange biscuit cutouts on top of filling.

5. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until biscuits are golden and filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm (with vanilla ice cream, if desired) or at room temperature. Serves 8.

*Frozen Cherries

If using frozen, thaw two 1-lb. pkg. (32 oz. total) dark sweet cherries overnight in the refrigerator. Drain cherries, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Follow recipe as directed.

**

If the last bit of butter is difficult to shred, just finely chop it.