Strawberry Shortcake

This time of year fresh strawberries are plentiful, and what a treat! I love strawberries just on their own, or dipped in Nutella. However, for a wonderful dessert take the time to make delicious shortcakes, a tradition in my family for many generations.

Here's my Great-Grandmother's strawberry shortcake recipe. I know you're going to like it:

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake

Six servings

4 1/2 cups strawberries
1/2 cup sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup or 1 stick butter
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup water, at room temperature

1. Wash, drain and stem strawberries.
   
2. Slice strawberries and sweeten with the 1/2 cup sugar, stirring to create juice. Set aside

For the shortcake

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar
3. Cut butter into flour mixture until the mixtur has a coarse, mealy consistency.
4. Stir together whipping cream and water. Add to flour mixture all at once, stirring just enough to moisten
5. Drop dough by heaping tablespoon on an ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart
6. Bake for between 12-15 minutes or until golden brown
7. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool

To serve: top shortcake with strawberries; garnish with sweeten whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.