Oh, the Simple Pleasures...

Strawberry Shortcake

Past where the old Amish farmhouse use to be to be, at the beginning of the lane, is one of the signs of summer that open sign at the booth where fresh scrumptious field fresh organic strawberries are sold. These strawberries are big and juicy. My home is less than a mile from the booth so several times a week during berry season I'll be picking up the berries to take home.

When I was little my favorite way to eat strawberries was as strawberry shortcake smothered in whipped cream. The old fashion style shortcake recipe was one of the first things that I ever baked. When ever I make my shortcake recipe it helps to bring back some of the memories of running barefoot in the fields, picking berries, and coming back and making that shortcake.


Sometimes it is the simply joys that make me savor my days. Today, it was the joy of having fresh strawberries to eat. Although I didn't take the time to make my shortcake recipe today, I enjoyed the fresh strawberries. What a great way way to indulge on a summer day.

            

 Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake    

                                                                      Preheat oven to 425

2 cups flour

1/3 c sugar (for the strawberries)  2 T sugar for the cake

3 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

1/3 c butter + additional butter to dot the cake with (about 1-2 T)

3/4 c milk

3 cups fresh sliced strawberries that have been dredged in 1/3 c sugar at room temperature (if you need to let the berries stand longer, please refrigerate)

Combine all dry ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add milk until it forms a ball. Pat into well greased pan. Dot with addition butter if desired. Bake for 15-20 min and allow to cool.

Seize the Berries!