Strawberry Shortcakes

I don't know where or when strawberries and shortcakes got together.  But like all classics, strawberry shortcakes have never gone out of style.  And numerous imitations has come along - like peach shortcake, mixed berry shortcake, and summer fruit shortcake. 

I remember my first introduction to strawberry shortcakes.  My mom asked her grocer what those little cakes were for.  He explained that they were used to make strawberry shortcakes.  Her version was that little Hostess sponge cake.  But now, there is a whole assortment of cakes that one can use, sponge cake, biscuit, and angel food cake.  They can be dressed up with real whipping cream or mascapone cheese.  With the use of whole wheat flour and reduced or nonfat whipped cream, strawberry shortcakes are quite healthy.

Whatever your choice of ingredients, now that spring is finally here, give strawberry shortcakes a try.  You may just stir up a few childhood memories.

Strawberry Shortcakes

Serves 6.

Ingredients:
1 pound strawberries, sliced
¼ cup sugar, optional
1/3 cup oatmeal, old fashioned or quick
2 cups baking mix, such as Bisquick
3 Tablespoons sugar
½ cup milk
¼ cup butter or margarine, melted

½ cup whipping cream

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425°F.

2.  In a large bowl, mix strawberries and ¼ cup sugar; set aside.

3.  Place oatmeal in a food processor or blend and pulse until oatmeal is finely ground.  In a medium bowl, stir oatmeal, baking mix, 3 tablespoons sugar, milk,and the butter until a soft dough forms.  On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by 6 spoonfuls.

4.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.

5.  Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped cream.

One of my colleagues may her strawberry shortcake with real half & half.  Since she was so proud of it, I thought I would show it.

Thanks for stopping by and trying the shortcake.

Woman vs. Rabbits

Every year I plant a garden, probably more to see who will win, me or the elements.  Up until this year, I thought I stood a chance.  This year, I am fighting the heat.  The heat won.  You see, it was cold in the Midwest and then, boom, it was hot. 

And now to top things off, the rabbits are loose and wrecking havoc in my garden.  I tried putting little cutout milk jugs over the tomatoes.  It appears the rabbits used them as a perch from which they could gnaw my entire garden of tomatoes.  Instead of tomatoes, I have stalks.  My gardening buddy took one look at my garden and promptly stated, “Why, Miss Jones, your garden looks worse than mine”.  Now if that isn’t a vote of confidence, I don’t know what is.  I’m on my third planting of tomatoes.  I once had hopes of tomato sauce and a few other tomato dishes.  I now hope for enough tomatoes for a couple of BLT’s.

I planted okra this year, just like all the other years.  I thought they were safe.  They came up, so nice and cute.  I went out one morning and my okra plants were just a thing of beauty.  Yes, I’m a proud mama.  I went back later in the afternoon and what did I have?  Okra stalks!  Those little jokers ate my plants in broad daylight. 

I now have my entire garden in either a fence or milk jug cover (thank God I drink milk).  It’s actually quite comical.  Some of the milk jugs are even double stacked. 

I suppose in some ways, this is sweet revenge.  You see, as a child my favorite book was Peter Rabbit.  I thought it was so cute for Peter to be loose in Mr. McGregor’s garden.  Well, you got it.  I am now Mr. McGregor.  And Peter Rabbit ain’t cute.   I have now switched over to Mr. McGregor’s side.

For those of you who have managed to grow a few strawberries, here is a recipe for you.  For the rest of us, a trip to the farmer’s market might be necessary.

 Strawberry Sauce

 Serves 4.

 Ingredients:

1 quart fresh strawberries

¼ cup sugar

Directions:

1.       Slice strawberries.  Add sugar and stir.  Refrigerate mixture for about 1 hour.

2.       Cook over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes.  Cool.

3.       Serve with ice cream, pancakes, angel food cake or as you desire. 

Regardless of how you serve your strawberry sauce, eat it outside so that you can guard the garden.