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Count on Classic Strawberry Shortcake to Sweeten Your Day

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:15:01 -0700

If you asked me to choose between blackberries, blueberries, tayberries, raspberries, or any other type of berry, it'd be virtually impossible for me to pick just one, for I simply love them all. But, perhaps because I grew up eating them as a child, when it comes to dessert cravings, I tend to gravitate toward sweets that feature strawberries.

One evening, I had an intense craving for strawberry shortcake. I'm not referring to the sponge cake variety with layers - although I love that, too - but rather the classic version with macerated berries and whipped cream sandwiched between flaky, buttery shortcake. Since this type is surprisingly unavailable in restaurants (I've only been able to locate it at the Cheesecake Factory and Whole Foods), I made my own. The end result? Well, it was far more satisfying than anything I could've bought. Find out for yourself

Come Party With Me: New Year's Day Lunch - Dessert

partysugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:15:37 -0800

After a rich menu of caviar toasts and creamy potato-leek soup, serve guests a classic dessert like shortcakes. In this recipe the beloved cake stack gets a Winter makeover. Fresh strawberries are replaced with roasted pears.

An easy, homemade toffee sauce adds a buttery warmth to the dish. Pillows of lightly whipped cream finish off the decadent, not-too-sweet dessert. To look at the simple recipe - it would be a divine finish to any Winter dinner party - read more.

Roasted Pear Shortcakes with Warm Toffee Sauce
From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 sticks plus 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg
2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whipped
6 pears (about 2 1/2 pounds)-peeled, halved, cored and sliced about 1/4 inch thick

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer, beat the flour with 1/4 cup brown sugar, the baking powder and salt. Add 1 1/2 sticks butter and mix on low until crumbly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1/2 cup unwhipped heavy cream. Add the liquid to the mixer and mix until just combined.
Pat the dough out until about 1 inch thick on the prepared baking sheet and cut into 6 equal pieces. Place the pieces 1 inch apart and bake until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack.
Meanwhile, place the pears with the 3 tablespoons brown sugar and the 3 tablespoons butter on a rimmed baking sheet and toss to coat. Cover the pears loosely with foil and roast until tender and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1 stick butter with the remaining 1/2 cup unwhipped heavy cream and the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the toffee sauce until thickened, about 5 minutes.
To serve, slice each shortcake in half and layer the bottom halves with the toffee sauce, roasted pears and whipped cream. Drizzle more toffee sauce over the whipped cream and cover with the shortcake tops.

Makes 6 shortcakes.

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Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake

partysugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:15:06 -0700

Ever since I spoke to Pat and Gina Neely, I've wanted to make their famous strawberry shortcut cake. Last weekend, I finally got around to making this divinely delicious dessert that combines vanilla cake with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and strawberry gelatin.

Gina's recipe uses a store-bought cake mix, but I had extra time so I made a vanilla cake from scratch. Thanks to the strawberry jello, the cake is super moist and insanely luscious. If you need a Spring dessert to feed a crowd, I highly recommend this cake. To check out the recipe, read more.

Strawberry Shortcake
Modified from Gina Neely and Martha Stewart

Ingredients

For cake
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup large egg whites, about 8, room temperature
1/2 cups milk, room temperature
For topping:
3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons cognac
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream*
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (3-ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin (recommended: Jell-O)
Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Make cake: preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch cake pan; line bottom with parchment paper. Sift together flours and baking powder; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla, beating until combined.
With mixer on low speed, gradually add egg whites, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Add reserved flour mixture in 2 parts, alternating with the milk, and scraping down sides of bowl between each addition.
Mix until combined. Increase speed to medium-high for 20 seconds. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine strawberries, cognac and sugar. Let macerate 20 minutes. Invert and release cake onto a decorative platter.
Whip cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla at medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks. Do not over whip.
Mix gelatin as directed on box. Refrigerate gelatin mix but do not let it harden, it should cool to a liquid consistency.
Using a straw, poke holes all over the cake. Pour gelatin into holes and spread over the top of the cake.

Spread layer of macerated strawberries on top of cake. Spread layer of whipped cream on top of the strawberries, making pretty swirls and ripples. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Serves 10-12.

*I found that 1 cup of whipped cream was NOT enough to cover the entire cake. In the future I will double the amount of whipped cream and confectioners' sugar to ensure that all sides of the cake are covered in whipped cream.

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Strawberry Shortcake Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 11:58:32 -0700

Making a quick fix strawberry shortcake is as simple as layering angel food cake (which they conveniently place next to the strawberries), strawberries, and cool whip to create a super easy, rapid dessert. However, if you have the time and patience, I highly recommend making your own homemade version. Doughy warm shortcakes with juicy strawberries and a fluffy whipped cream will instantly melt in your mouth for a show-stopping, unbelievably delicious dessert.

Whether it's semi-homemade or fresh from your oven, strawberry shortcake is an excellent springtime dessert. To encourage that everyone give this dessert a go, I've found 2 recipes: one for the beginning cook and one for the expert - you'll find both after the break. Make which one fits your needs best, read more

Beginner's Strawberry Shortcake
From Sandra Lee

1 can (16.3-ounce) biscuits (recommended: Pillsbury Grands Southern Style)
2 pints fresh strawberries, quartered
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping
1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Unroll biscuits, place on baking sheet and bake in the oven according to directions.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the strawberries and half of the sugar. Let stand for 1 hour to meld flavors.
In a small bowl, combine remaining sugar and cinnamon.
Remove biscuits from oven; split the biscuits and dredge in cinnamon sugar; place on serving plate. Top biscuits with macerated strawberries.
Place whipped topping in a bowl and fold in the sour cream. Garnish shortcakes with a dollop of whipped topping mixture.

Serves 4-6.

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Strawberry Shortcake
From Bon Appetit magazine

White chocolate cream
2 ounces high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), chopped
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
2 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream, divided
3 tablespoons sugar
Biscuits
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, chilled
1 cup whipping cream, plus additional for brushing biscuits
2 tablespoons raw sugar
Strawberries
4 cups halved hulled strawberries (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint or 2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms

For white chocolate cream: place white chocolate in medium bowl.
Place 1 tablespoon water in very small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over; let stand until gelatin softens, about 15 minutes.
Bring 1/2 cup cream and 3 tablespoons sugar to simmer in small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Pour gelatin mixture over white chocolate, whisking until melted and smooth. Cool to room temperature.
Beat remaining 2 cups cream in large bowl until peaks form.
Fold 1/2 cup cream into white chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold chocolate mixture into remaining cream in bowl. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
For biscuits: combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl; whisk to blend. Add butter. Using fingertips, rub in until coarse meal forms. Gradually add 1 cup cream, tossing until moist clumps form. Gather dough into ball; shape into 8 1/2-inch round on parchment or foil. Chill 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut dough into eight 3-inch rounds, gathering scraps and reshaping as needed.
Place rounds on prepared sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with raw sugar.
Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. If desired, rewarm in 350°F oven 5 minutes before using.)
For strawberries: combine strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and mint or lavender in medium bowl; toss to blend. Let stand at room temperature until juices form, at least 10 minutes, or refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 hours.
Cut biscuits in half horizontally. Place 1 bottom on each of 8 plates and mound strawberries with syrup on each, dividing equally. Cover with white chocolate cream and biscuit tops.

Serves 8.

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Blueberries Take Over My Shortcake

YumSugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:15:54 -0700

Since blueberry season has begun, I couldn't help but go overboard and buy several baskets from my local farmers market. While I enjoyed one basket raw, I used the rest to make these mini blueberry shortcakes with lemon and thyme biscuits.

The moist biscuits are simple to make. The final dish is not too sweet, so the pure flavor of blueberries shines through in each bite. Although the original recipe calls for a larger biscuit, I decided to use a shot glass (instead of a cookie cutter) to make them mini. The shortcakes are delicious with a dollop of heavy cream or scoop of ice cream. To try these bite-sized blueberry shortcakes, read more.

Mini Blueberry Shortcake Biscuits
Adapted from Bon Appétit

Ingredients

Filling
4 cups fresh blueberries (rinsed, drained well)
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
Biscuit
3/4 cup chilled buttermilk
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/3 inch cubes
1 tablespoon raw sugar
Vanilla ice cream or fresh whipping cream

Directions

Make the filling: Combine blueberries, powdered sugar and water in a large saucepan.
Stir over medium heat until berries are slightly softened and syrup coats the spoon about 10 minutes. Transfer to medium glass bowl and let cool to room temperature. Can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Make the biscuits: Position rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F. Line large rimmed baking sheet with silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Mix buttermilk, lemon peel, and thyme in a small bowl.
Whisk next 5 ingredients in large bowl to blend, breaking up any large clumps of brown sugar with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Add buttermilk mixture and stir with fork just until blended (the dough will be sticky).
Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface. Knead gently just until the dough comes together, 4 to 5 turns. Pat dough out to 3/4 inch thick round. Using a shot glass or 1 1/2 inch diameter cookie cutter dipped in flour, cut out dough rounds.
Transfer dough rounds to prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle rounds with raw sugar. Bake biscuits until golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool.
Using a serrated knife, carefully cut biscuits horizontally in half. Place bottom half of each biscuit on large serving tray. Spoon blueberries and syrup equally over each biscuit. Cover with top of biscuit.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Makes 30 mini blueberry biscuit shortcakes.

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Yummy Link: Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Shortcakes

partysugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:15:32 -0700

I love combining two desserts to make one new, delicious dessert. In this recipe for strawberry chocolate shortcakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries meets classic strawberry shortcake. What a wonderful way to wow guests! - Eggs on Sunday

Yummy Link: Strawberry Chiffon Shortcake

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 06:30:39 -0700

Something about this strawberry chiffon shortcake just screams summer. It also screams eat me now! We should all try baking this one this weekend! - Smitten Kitchen

Photos of Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:57:18 -0700

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7 Easy Foods to Make With Your Kids

YumSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:50:48 -0700

If you don't have major plans this weekend, grab your daughter, son, niece, or kid brother and make some meals: here in California, May 9 is Cook With Your Kids Day - so, for inspiration, we've compiled some of our favorite kid-friendly recipes. Just remember: to be safe, never leave kids unattended in the kitchen. Here, you can scope out fun kitchen recipes, ranging from finger foods to dessert.

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Blueberry Biscuit Shortcakes

YumSugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:26:10 -0700

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