Classic American Strawberry Shortcake

METHOD:

To make the shortcakes: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. After the dry ingredients are thoroughly blended, add the buttermilk, cream, and cold butter in quick succession, combining only briefly, to leave the mixture as lumpy as possible. Or use a food processor fitted with a dough blade. Combine the dry ingredients, pulse briefly, then add the liquid ingredients and butter, and pulse briefly.

Turn this lumpy dough out onto a lightly floured board and flatten gently with a rolling pin into a squarish shape approximately 1-inch thick. Cut into 6 equal squares. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on a non-stick cookie sheet, place the squares on the sheet, and place the entire cookie sheet in the refrigerator to rest 20 minutes while you pre-heat the oven to 375*. Bake the chilled shortcakes 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are nicely browned.

While the shortcakes are baking, make the filling and topping. Clean and slice the strawberries. Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together into soft peaks. When the shortcakes are finished baking, allow them to cool 5 minutes. Then spilt them in half, slather the bottom with 2 or 3 tablespoons whipped cream and 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, cover with the top biscuit, and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.