Strawberry Mint Shortcakes

This past weekend my son, husband, and I drove out to a local U-pick strawberry farm and picked almost 9 pounds of strawberries. After eating a bowl full of strawberries back at our house, my son turned to me and said, “You're right Mom. Strawberries from a field are way better than the ones you buy in the store.” Regardless of where you get your berries, I hope you'll try this recipe and let me know what you think.


Yields: 8 servings

Strawberry Shortcake Ingredients:

3 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves
3 tablespoons, 2 tablespoons, 1/8 cup sugar (divided)
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces + 1 tablespoon butter, melted
2/3 cup half and half
1 quart (4 cups) strawberries, hulled and cut into large pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine the finely chopped mint with 3 tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using your fingers, rub the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a very coarse cornmeal. Stir in the half and half and mix just until the dough starts to come together. Divide the dough in half, knead each half for 20 seconds, then form 2 disks of dough. Roll or pat out each disk to approximately an 8-inch circle and place the first one on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush approximately half of the melted butter on the disk and then sprinkle about half of the mint sugar over the butter. Place the second disk on top of the first and repeat with the remaining butter and mint sugar. Cut the disk into 8 wedges and spread them out so that there is about 1 inch of space between each wedge. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are barely browned. Cool on a rack. Stir 1/8 cup sugar into the strawberries and set aside.


Whipped Cream Ingredients:

1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla

Place the bowl of a stand mixer and its whisk attachment in the freezer for 20 minutes, then remove. Immediately add the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. (This recipe makes 2 cups of whipped cream.)

Separate each shortcake wedge in half, top with strawberries, then top with whipped cream and serve.

Note: The shortcakes taste best if eaten on the same day they are baked.

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