Ingredients
Shortcakes:
1 1/2 c flour
1/4 c + 3 T sugar
1 T + 1/4 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 t kosher salt
6 T cold butter in pieces
1 c buttermilk
2 T whole milk
Apples & cream:
3 T cold butter
1/2 vanilla bean
5 granny smith apples peeled in eighths
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c apple brandy
Apple cider reduction:
1 qt apple cider
2 T apple cider vinegar
2 T apple brandy
1/2 vanilla bean
1 cinn stick
Preparation
Preheat 375, parchment paper on sheet Whisk flour, 3 T sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt in processor bowl Process in butter Add enough buttermilk to soft dough (start w half) Pat dough to 1.5" thickness, cut 6 rounds Brush w milk or cream, sprinkle w sugar Bake 12-15 min & cool
Melt butter in pan Add van bean seeds & apples Cook till apples brown, 5-7 min Add sugar Cook till apples are caramelized Add apple brandy, cook 5 min
Combine apple cider reduction ingredients Bring to boil over high heat Cook stirring occasionally 25-30 min till thick & syrupy Cool to RT, remove van bean & cinn stick
