Strawberry Shortcake

Sunday 12 June 2011



We took ourselves into Chester today to have a walk around. We had been going to go for a drive into Wales . . . but it was Ladie's Day at the Race Course, and only a food would subject themselves to trying to drive through the middle of Chester in a car on race day . . . seriously. The traffic is insane.



So we went into town on the bus instead. We walked up and down the rows. There's a lot of neat shops there. We poked around and explored. We went to the market cafe and had lunch. (fish and chips with mushy peas, yum!) We watched all the ladies walking up and down the cobbled streets in their race day finery, high heels and fascinators. It was amazing.



And then we found a little Green Grocer's and they had fresh English Strawberries sitting outside, £1 a punnet. Oh, they smelled so good. Fresh English Strawberries, warm from the sunshine, so delicious. I couldn't resist and picked up a few punnets, of course . . . as well as a tasty looking cauliflower for 98p and a hunk of broccoli for Mitzie. (She's on a diet and it's supposed to be good for fat free treats.)



June traditionally means two things in the UK. Wimbledon and fresh strawberries. I know you are probably tired of hearing me say this . . . but we have got the best berries here. (I know, I am just a tad biased, but it's true!)



So anyways, after we came home, I decided to make us dessert for supper. (You should try it sometime.) We had had a big lunch and so we didn't really want much for our tea. When in doubt . . . have dessert instead! I thought some nice strawberry shortcakes would go down a real treat.



It was my first time making them this year. And . . . they were fabulous. Oh so tasty and delicious. We didn't miss supper at all. We just sat here watching a film on the telly and enjoying these beautiful berries.



It won't be the last time I make Strawberry Shortcake this summer, but the first one of the season is always kinda special, if you know what I mean.



*Strawberry Shortcake*
Makes 6 servings
Printable Recipe

Nothing but old fashioned, simple, late springtime goodness. Delicious!

For the cakes:
8.5 ounces plain flour (2 cups)
1 TBS caster sugar
1 TBS baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 ounces of chilled butter, cut into bits
250ml of milk (1 cup)

You will also need:
3 punnets of ripe strawberries (about 6 cups)
5 TBS caster sugar, divided
500ml of double cream (2 cups)

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark6. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Butter the parchment. Set aside.

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together in a bowl. Drop in the butter and rub it into the flour mixture with yoru fingertip until the mixture resembles rough meal. Stir in the milk with a fork. You should have a soft droppable dough. Drop by six equal portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between each. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden. Remove from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cakes are baking, wash and hull your berries. Slice into a bowl and stir together with 3 TBS of the sugar. Set aide to macerate.

Whip the cream and remaining 2 TBS of sugar together until soft peaks form.

Slice the cooled cakes in half. Place the bottom halves of the cakes into dessert bowls. Top with some of the berries and then a spoonful of cream. Place the top halves of the biscuits on top and then top with more berries and cream. Serve immediately.

8 comments

  1. Oh, what a lovely day you had, sweet Marie! I remember walking around the beautiful town of Chester on day many years ago--so beautiful!

    There's almost nothing in the world better than homemade strawberry shortcake, I think--I WISH I could try your Engish berries--I would imagine they're superior!

    Our California berries are pretty darn good, as well, and every summer, some dear church friends--that are also local farmers--give us almost more than we can use...for free! We feel so blessed! This is one of the first things I'll do with them this year--using your recipe, my friend!

    Wishing you the most delightful weekend, and sending so much love your way...

    Julie

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  2. Marie, I think I just put on 3 lbs while reading this! Seriously they look absolutely delicious! We've had strawberries twice this year so far and living in Kent as you know, we're really in the heart of strawberry-land. I daren't go to the farm to 'pick-your-own' because I come away with far more than I could use!!

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  3. That looks so scrumptious!!! and I agree, you cannot beat British strawberries. We had a treat when in Scotland with the girls, we went to our favourite strawberry farm, thought I was in heaven..mmmm.

    I can feel a stroll around Chester coming on, we haven't been for a while.

    Love and hugs to you, Todd an Mitzie

    Sheilagh

    xxxx

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  4. Oh how I remember race day at Chester. Luckily I lived and worked on the same side of town so didn't have to battle the traffic on these days to get to work ... BUT, my day off always seemed to fall on race day ... or the day Holyoakes were filming in town. Grrrrr. Enough of that though, lovely looking shortcakes, I've always wanted to try these out and there is a punnet of strawberries in the fridge!

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  5. I love cake and that cake look so delicious

    farida
    http://kitchensuperfood.com

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  6. mouthwatering...... strawberries in Italy have been replaced with cherry's and apricots! :) also nice... but I miss berries already!

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  7. Marie I love agtrwberries!! and this look georgeous!! absolutely, send you huggs dear, gloria

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  8. I so agree - British berries are wonderful - your shortcakes look divine - so love Wimbledon - enjoy the English summer!!
    Mary oxo

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