Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

For the Shortcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Shortcakes: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be crumbly.
4. Form the Shortcakes: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
6. Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
7. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8. Assemble: Slice the shortcakes in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of strawberries onto the bottom half of each shortcake. Top with a dollop of whipped cream. Place the other half of the shortcake on top.
9. Serve: Serve the strawberry shortcakes immediately and enjoy!

This recipe makes a classic and delicious Strawberry Shortcake. Feel free to customize it by adding mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch.