It is said, the first Strawberry Shortcake dessert began in the United States somewhere around 1847. They have been on the scene for over 2,000 years. In the days of the Ancient Romans, records exist showing they were consumed as food and were more likely, growing wild in the fields throughout Europe. The Shortcake itself is a European invention.
Technically, the shortcake has always been a rich biscuit, made with baking powder for leavening and mixed with some type of shortening or butter, eggs, some cream and a small amount of sugar for a sweet dough. And, let us not forget to include the flour.
We don't really know who decided to combine berries and the cake together and when it took hold, but it is believed the creation came from the minds of cooks in the United States.
By following the history of the Strawberry Shortcake, we can see that over time it evolves substantially. The cake has always been a dessert with some kind of cake or pastry, combined with strawberries.
The original desserts were made with a heavy pastry, similar to pie crust but thicker. After first baking the crust, you would then split the dough in half and fill with the berries that have been sweetened and mashed, making a sort of "sandwich." Then, the entire thing would be covered with a sugared frosting.
The historians are not sure, but somewhere along the way, the original biscuit recipe evolved into a dish prepared according to an individual's own tastes and the type of ingredients on hand. Also, at some point the icing was replaced with whipped cream, and the biscuit replaced with a sponge cake, angel food cake or even puff pastry.
And even though the origins and evolution of this dessert are not certain, the extreme popularity is undeniable. Each year as Spring and the strawberry season come alive, cooks everywhere take action...developing their own versions of this highly popular dessert.
Following is a "made from scratch" recipe for this delicious dessert:
Ingredients:
- (2) 1-pound baskets strawberries, hulled, halved (or quartered if very large; about 7 cups)
- 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons raspberry preserves
- 1 cup chilled whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar and raspberry preserves in large bowl; toss to coat. Let stand until syrup forms, tossing occasionally, about 1 hour.
Beat chilled whipping cream, vanilla extract and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar in another large bowl until stiff peaks form. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
Cut Buttermilk Biscuits in half. Place each biscuit bottom in shallow bowl. Top each generously with strawberries and whipped cream. Cover fruit and cream with biscuit tops. Dust biscuits with powdered sugar and serve.
Biscuits:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon chilled buttermilk
- Powdered Sugar
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into large bowl.
Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Gradually add buttermilk, tossing with fork until large moist clumps form.
Gather dough into ball. Divide into 4 pieces. Shape each piece into 3-inch round. Transfer to baking sheet, spacing evenly.
Bake biscuits until toothpick inserted into center comes out dry, about 20 minutes (biscuits will be pale).
Transfer biscuits to rack and cool to lukewarm. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cool.
Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and store at room temperature. Before serving, reheat in 350°F oven for 5 minutes.)
Now you know How to Make a Delicious Strawberry Shortcake From the Farm, so as the old song says, "Get out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans," and enjoy the mouth-watering benefits of your labor.
And, in addition, if you enjoy baking and decorating your own cakes and cupcakes, then why not look into starting your own business.
I'm certain your family and friends, and also, others in your neighborhood would truly enjoy them too.
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