Berry & Balsamic Shortcakes

Shortcakes represent simple, no-fuss goodness of many desserts gone by.  Light and delicate “cakes” filled with berries and cream make this treat a classic for all the right reasons.  An accent of decadent, aged balsamic takes it over the top for the absolute best in sweet indulgences. 

These were a hit at my Summer Pop-Up Cooking School--and I know they'll be one in your kitchen, too! 

Happy Eating!

Berry & Balsamic Shortcakes

Ingredients:

Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

Whipped cream (recipe follows)

Aged balsamic vinegar

Method:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Make the sweetened strawberries: Hull and quarter strawberries; toss in a bowl with sugar. Let stand until syrupy, tossing occasionally.  Can be made up to 1 day ahead, covered and refrigerated.

In a food processor, combine flour, butter, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; process until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk; pulse just until moistened, 4 or 5 times. Do not overprocess.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface; with floured hands, gently pat dough into a rectangle.

Dust a large knife with flour; cut dough into 8 squares. Transfer to a baking sheet; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes; cool on baking sheet. To serve, split biscuits with a serrated knife; layer with whipped cream, berries and balsamic vinegar.

Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

Pour heavy cream into a large bowl and begin whisking on low speed with a mixer.  As cream develops volume, increase speed to high and slowly add sugar and vanilla.  Beat until firm peaks form.