Description
One of our favorite ways to enjoy strawberries is in Strawberry Shortcakes. A just-right combo of a not-too-sweet crispy shortcake topped with cool, creamy, sweet whipped topping and the star of the dessert, juicy strawberries. With my Quick Mix in the refrigerator or freezer, you can make shortcakes for two in just minutes.
Ingredients
- FOR THE QUICK MIX:
- 6 cups All-purpose Flour
- 3 Tablespoons Baking Powder
- 1-½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Butter
- FOR THE SHORTCAKES:
- ¾ cups Prepared Quick Mix
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar, Divided
- ¼ cups Milk, Scant
- FOR THE ASSEMBLY:
- ⅔ cups Strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- ½ cups Whipped Topping Or Cream
Preparation
For the quick mix:
Place half of the flour in a bowl. Add baking powder and salt. Using a mixer or pastry blend, cut butter into flour mixture. Add remaining flour. Mix well. Store in a plastic container or bag in the refrigerator or freezer. Use within two months (refrigerator) to four months (freezer). Stir before using.
For the shortcakes:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
In a bowl mix together the listed amount of quick mix and half of the sugar. Add milk and stir just until mix is wet and dough holds together. I usually start with a spoon and end up with my fingers. Knead lightly a few times and pat into a oblong shape.
Using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, cut two shortcakes. Gather the scraps together and form into a small shortcake.
Place remaining sugar in a shallow bowl and dip each side of each shortcake in sugar and place on a baking pan or stone. Bake for 10 minutes or until very lightly browned. Allow shortcakes to cool to barely warm before serving.
For the strawberry topping:
Wash, hull and halve the large berries and put them all into a bowl. Add the sugar. I like to mush the berries just a little with a potato masher to release some of those amazing juices, but still leave the berries in chunks. I also prefer to serve the strawberries at room temperature.
To serve:
Top shortcake with whipped topping and slightly sweetened strawberries. I often split the shortcakes and add additional whipped topping and strawberries.
