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.