Fourth of July Strawberry Shortcake

Today is certainly no Fourth of July, but since the weather forecast is even hotter on Sunday (4th) than today, there's a very very slim chance I'll be turning my oven on! Seriously, I need to invest in some airconditioning. Bedroom and kitchen. I can't cook because it's too hot and I haven't got a good nights sleep in days because it's too warm. Well, fortunately these were a delight to make! Even for a hot day. They only needed 20 minutes in the oven, and preparing them went super fast. “Handle the shortcake dough as little as possible for light, fluffy biscuits.” Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Strawberry Shortcake recipe: MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients:
- 2 pints strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups + 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

Instructions:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place strawberries in a bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice and ¼ cup sugar. Let stand to release juices, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine remaining ¼ cup sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork to cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Whisk together egg and ½ cup + 2 tablespoons cream. Slowly add mixture to dry ingredients; mix with a fork until dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface; pat into a 6-inch square, 1 inch thick. Cut four rounds using a 2 ½-inch cookie cutter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk together egg yolk and 1 tablespoon cream; brush over tops of biscuits. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on wire racks for 15 minutes.
- To make vanilla whipped cream, place remaining 1 cup cream and vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat; scald, and remove from heat. Cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Scrape seeds into cream, and discard pod. Pass cream mixture through a fine strainer into a bowl set in a large bowl of ice and water. Let stand until completely cold. Transfer to a large chilled metal bowl; add confectioners’ sugar. Whip by hand into soft peaks (an electric mixer can curdle the cream), about 5 minutes.
- To assemble, slice the shortcakes open while warm with a bread knife. Divide strawberries and liquid among bottom halves of shortcakes; top with large dollops of vanilla whipped cream and upper halves of shortcakes, and serve.


Red, White & Blue dessert!


I think these are pretty perfect for Fourth of July. Shortcake is such an American classic,
strawberry season is here, and who can resist vanilla whipped cream?


For non-American readers, a shortcake resembles much of a biscuit. Buttery and flaky, and along with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, these are sure to satisfy your appetite!


Last man shortcake standing!

Comments

Unknown said…
Love the little flags hun, so sweet x
Eliana said…
Oh you poor thing. I would not be able to survive without the AC going on high in my bedroom. And for the kitchen I invested in an electric convection oven that has turned into a life saver.

And your cakes - they look incredible.
Alex T said…
As an Englishman born on the fourth of July, I am a little conflicted but will definatley join in and give these a go - especially as it's supposed to be raining here on Sunday.
Chele said…
They look great! I could eat a dozen to myself right about now lol
A Bowl Of Mush said…
Happy 4th of July! I know it's really hot here too :(

These look seriously delicious!
Rhiannon Bosse said…
Oh my gosh these are the cutest little things ever :) Well done my new friend! Happy long weekend! xo
Lucie said…
These look so great for the Summer! A perfect treat for the 4th of July...or to celebrate the World Cup when your country is on a winning streak (obviously not France!)
Lot-O-Choc said…
Ah wow these look delicious, love the little flags hehe, hope you have a good 4th of July :).
Ingrid_3Bs said…
Oh, snap! You don't have a/c? We'd die here in FL with out it.

Your shortcakes look very festive and pretty. :)
~ingrid
Anonymous said…
awww, these are SO cute!
I just made some strawberry shortcake-inspired cupcakes, but man you can't beat the original and these look killer. Happy belated 4th!
Sweet Freak said…
Oh, how I'd love some strawberry shortcake right now. Miam miam!

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