Shortcake

I will tell you a little secret.  Strawberry Shortcake is divine.   I love to eat it, and smell it, and look at it.  Especially if it has a huge billowy puff of fresh cream on top.  Lovely!  There is a deep, deep, dark family secret in this family I have married in to.  The Clawson's lick their plates after they eat.  The ritual is only performed after Strawberry Shortcake has been consumed though.  Shocking wouldn't you say.

Sunday I had a big, fat, juicy container of strawberries, and blackberries waiting to grace our Sabbath dessert.  I admit though, I was running short of time.  I didn't have time for a fabulous Bonnie Butter Cake, or time for a luscious Coconut Pound Cake.  Those are my two "go to" Strawberry Shortcake cakes.  I had exactly 10 mins. until the guests were to arrive.   I did a quick search and came across a super simple Shortcake recipe.  Oh did I mention I was out of eggs Sunday as well.  So I needed something that required no eggs.  Not an easy task.  The first recipe to grace the Google search page was one from Alton Brown.  You know, the guy who does Good Eats.  He is Bill Nye The Science Guy, just with food.  We love his show.  The recipe seemed easy enough.  I now have a testimony of Alton Brown.  (I actually have for awhile.) He is true, and his recipes are true-er.  If there is such a thing:)  The little shortcake biscuits were just downright delicious.  It took me about 10 mins. from start to finish to get the little cakes in the oven.  Another 15 mins. baking and we had dessert.  My guests loved them and even licked their plates.  I may never go back to Bonnie Butter Cake again for my Shortcake eating.  The recipe made 8 shortcakes, but they were pretty good size.  I think next time I'll make 12 little cakes.  They'll be perfect.  Top them with any fresh fruit.  I may add a little mango next time.  Thanks Alton for the recipe.  I love your guts!!

Strawberry Shortcake

courtesy of Alton Brown

2 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar (I added 1/3 c. of sugar)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons shortening

3/4 cup half and half

Melted butter to brush shortcakes

Berries

Ice cream or whipped cream

Directions

Heat oven 450 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Cut in butter and shortening. Mix in half-and-half. Drop by large spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15 minutes or until brown. Cool and eat with berries, ice cream and/or whipped cream.