Strawberry Shortcake

The perfect dessert for any day of the week. Its quick, easy and simple to make. In a pinch whip up a batch of shortcakes.

INGREDIENTS:
shortcake:
o 2 ½ cups flour
o ¼ cup granulated sugar
o 1 cup unsalted butter
o 1 cup buttermilk
o ½ teaspoon salt
o 2 teaspoons lemon zest
o 2 teaspoons baking powder
o ½ teaspoon baking soda
Strawberry filling:
o 1-pint fresh strawberries
o Juice of 1 lemon
o ¼ cup granulated sugar
o 1 teaspoon Grand Mariner (optional)

Whipped Topping:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Slice strawberries into quarters. In large bowl toss strawberries with sugar, lemon juice and Grand Marnier. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. In a bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, lemon zest and salt. Cut in butter, using your hands fully combine flour and butter. Once combined use a spatula to fold in buttermilk, then use hands to form into a dough. Press dough into a rectangle, fold in ends into the center, like a sheet of paper. Press down dough again and fold again. Press out dough, then using a biscuit cutter cut out six shortcakes. Sprinkle tops with sugar. Bake @425 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
3. To make whipped topping, combine heavy cream and confectioners sugar. Mix on high until cream is whipped into a stiff yet smooth consistency.
4. Slice shortcakes into 2 halves. Top bottom half with strawberries, then whipped topping and top with shortcake top.