| There are two distinct camps on strawberry | | | | the bottom. Do not hold under running water, the |
| shortcake. The original strawberry shortcakes were | | | | force of the water can bruise the berries. |
| made with a biscuit dough. The berries were | | | | Strawberry Shortcake Recipe |
| sweetened and spread between layers of biscuit, | | | | 3 cups strawberriesconfectioners sugar |
| then topped with plain or sweetened whipped cream. | | | | 6 biscuits or servings of sponge cakewhipping cream |
| Another way to make the shortcake is to use a | | | | Crush the strawberries lightly with a fork or slice |
| sponge cake as a base for the shortcake. The | | | | them. Add sugar to taste and set aside to macerate |
| berries are sweetened and served in the same way | | | | for 2-3 hours at room temperature. |
| as the biscuit version. I prefer the sponge cake | | | | Prepare the biscuits or the sponge cake. When baked |
| version, or sometimes I make it with pound cake. | | | | split the biscuits or slice the cake thinly. Layer the |
| When choosing berries for this recipe, look for ripe | | | | strawberries between the layers of biscuit or cake, |
| berries without soft spots or blemishes. Store them | | | | then top with more berries. |
| in a cool dry place, without washing. When ready to | | | | Whip the cream with just enough sugar to sweeten |
| prepare them, wash them gently by dipping them | | | | until soft peaks form. Dollop the whipped cream on |
| into a large bowl of water briefly. Remove the | | | | top and serve garnished with a whole berry or a |
| berries from the water, leaving the dirt and sand at | | | | sprig of mint if desired. |