posted by blahgirl 04-28-102 5:33 PM
Party Perfect Strawberry Shortcakes
(from Southern Living)
These smaller shortcakes are sized to serve in a cake stand. To keep them moist and delicious, we spread strawberry jam onto the bottom cut sides of each shortcake before adding the strawberries and whipped cream.
1 (16 oz) container fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 c. sugar, divided
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
3/4 c. butter or margarine, cut into pieces
2 large eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. whipping cream
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp strawberry jam
1/4 tsp chopped fresh mint
Garnishes: fresh mint leaves, strawberry halves
Combine sliced strawberries and 1/4 c. sugar. Cover mixture and set aside.
Combine flour, baking powder, and 1/4 c. sugar; cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork until mixture in crumbly.
Whisk together eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until blended; add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead 6 times. Pat dough into a 6 inch square; cut into 16 (2 inch) squares. For round shortcakes: Pat dough to a 1/2 inch thickness, and cut with a 3 inch round cutter. Place dough on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake at 425* for 9-11 minutes or until golden.
Beat whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until foamy, and gradually add 2 tbsp sugar, beating mixture at high speed until stiff peaks form.
Remove shortcakes from oven, and split in half horizontally. Combine strawberry jam and chopped mint; spread cut sides of bottom shortcake halves with jam mixture, top evenly with half of the strawberry mixture. Cover mixture evenly with whipped cream; top with remaining strawberry mixture and remaining shortcake halves. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately. Prep: 30 min. Bake:11 min.