Shortcakes
Recipe adapted from Alton Brown
~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen
Serves 8
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup half and half (I use fat-free)
2 pounds fresh strawberries or other berries sliced and mixed with 1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar and a splash of orange-flavored liqueur to taste and allowed to sit for one hour, stirring occasionally
Heavy cream beaten with a little powdered sugar and vanilla until loosely whipped but not beaten until dry
Heat oven 400F
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Cut in butter and shortening. Mix in half-and-half. Drop by large spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15 minutes or until brown. Cool and eat with berries and sweetened whipped cream.