Apple-Cherry Cobbler wirh Pinwheel Biscuits

      Prep / Total time : 1 hour  30 minutes   
                    Serves  8 to 10

APPLE-CHERRY  filling :

8          large Braeburn  apples , peeled and cut into 1/4 -inch-thick wedges  (about 4-1/2 pounds)
2          cups granulated sugar
1/4       cup all purpose flour
1/4       cup butter
1          (12 ounce) package frozen cherries  , thawed  and well drained
1          teaspoon lemon zest
1/2       cup lemon juice
1          teaspoon ground cinnamon

PINWHEEL BISCUITS :

2-1/4      cups  all purpose flour
1/4         cup granulated sugar
2-1/4      teaspoon baking powder
3/4         cup cold butter  , cut into pieces
2/3         cup milk
1/3         cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2            tablespoons  butter , melted
1/4         cup finely chopped roasted  unsalted almonds

SERVE WITH :
Sweetened whipped cream ***optional**

1.      Prepare  Filling : Preheat oven  to 425 F. Toss together  first 3 ingredients  . Melt 1/4 cut  butter  in a large skillet  over medium-high heat ; add apple mixture . Cook , stirring  often , 20 to 30 minutes or until apples  are tender and syrup thickens . Remove from heat ; stir in cherries  and next 3 ingredients . Spoon apple mixture  into lightly greased  3-quart  baking dish . Bake apple mixture  15 minutes  ,placing  baking sheet on oven rack directly  below  baking dish  to catch any drips .
2.        PREPARE BISCUITS :     Stir  together 2-1/4 cups flour  and next 3 ingredients  in a large bowl . Cut  cold butter pieces into flour  mixture  with a pastry blender  or fork until crumbly ; stir in milk . Turn dough out  onto a lightly  floured surface  ; knead  4 to 5 times . Roll dough  into a 12-inch square . Combine brown sugar  and 2 tablespoons  melted butter ; sprinkle over dough , patting gently . Sprinkle with almonds . Roll up jelly roll fashion ; pinch seams  and ends  to seal . Cut roll  in 12 (1-inch) slices . Place slices  in a single layer on top of apple mixture .
3.        Bake at  425F for 15 to 20 minutes  or until biscuits  are golden . Serve with whip cream if desired .