Strawberry Shortcakes

Instructions

1. 1

   Wash strawberries, and dry on paper towels.

2. 2

   Cut out the hull, or 'cap,' with the point of a paring knife.

3. 3

   Cut the strawberries lengthwise into slices.

4. 4

   Mix sliced strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl. Let stand 1 hour.

5. 5

   Heat the oven to 450º.

6. 6

   Mix the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, the baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.

7. 7

   Cut the shortening into the flour mixture, using a pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until the mixture looks like fine crumbs.

8. 8

   Stir the milk into the crumb mixture just until blended and a dough forms. If the crumb mixture is not completely moistened, stir in an additional 1 to 3 teaspoons milk.

9. 9

   Drop the dough by 6 spoonfuls onto the ungreased cookie sheet.

10. 10

    Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

11. 11

    Just before serving, prepare Sweetened Whipped Cream (below).

12. 12

    Split warm or cool shortcakes horizontally.

13. 13

    Spoon whipped cream and strawberries over bottoms of shortcakes.

14. 14

    Top with tops of shortcakes and additional whipped cream and strawberries.