Strawberry Shortcake

It's Sunday and that means dinner with my folks. We try to do this twice a month and it's a lot of fun. Tonight I'm serving Fried Chicken(May 2011)Corn Casserole, Zucchini Salad and Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. Pictures will be posted soon.

Cook's Notes- This comes together very easily. When you are ready to turn it out on your floured surface, don't be alarmed if the dough doesn't look like it will come together. It will!! Start to knead it and the dough will quickly form into a ball. Don't over knead or over manipulate it, otherwise the resulting cake will be tough.

Makes 10 cakes

3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
2/3 and 1/4 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten
3 cups fresh berries
3 tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment or a silpat. In a food processor, pulse for a count of 10- flour,baking powder,cream of tartar and sugar. Open the lid and add the butter. Pulse 5-7 more times until the butter is incorporated and flour mixture resembles small peas. Pour the mixture into a large bowl. Add the egg and 2/3 cup heavy cream. Mix by hand with a spoon until the dough begins to clump together. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead with your hands for 2 minutes until all the dough is formed into a ball. Flatten the ball with your hands and using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the dough until it is 1/2 inch thick. Use a light hand when rolling. The less you manipulate the dough the better. Cut the dough into 3 inch circles. You can use a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass. Dip your cutter in flour before cutting each circle. Place each circle onto the baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Gently pat the dough back together and cut more until you have 10 to 12 circles. Using the remaining 1/4 cup of cream, brush the tops of the shortcakes before placing in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.

To assemble- Cut a shortcake in half. Place a spoonful of cut berries that you have sprinkled with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Place the top of the shortcake over the berries. Add more berries and a spoonful of whipped cream if desired.