Strawberry Shortcake

Tomorrow is Father’s day here in Italy. We love our Daddy! The Daddy of my three kiddos. He is an amazing father, kind, generous, attentive, perseverant, loving, faithful and Godly. I am so thankful for who he is in my kiddos lives! He is a great example of our heavenly Father.

My husband’s favorite dessert is strawberry shortcake! He looooves it! In fact as soon as it is strawberry season, he starts begging me to make it ALL. THE. TIME.

So here’s the first strawberry shortcake of this season for the best Daddy around (although it’s a tough competition- my own Daddy is pretty amazing too!!).

Begin by getting your strawberries ready!! They are much better if they sit for a while in the bowl! Chop up your strawberries (or mixed berries if you prefer) into medium-small pieces. Place into a medium bowl. Add approximately 1/4 cup of sugar per kilo of strawberries (around 25-30 strawberries). Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir the mixture well and place in the fridge while you prepare the shortcakes!

Begin by measuring all of your dry ingredients into a medium sized bowl. Whisk with a fork until blended.

Next cut your COLD butter up into small cubes and cut it into your dry ingredients with a pastry cutter, a fork or by hand. When you are done cutting it in your mixture should have a corse crumbly texture with no big chunks of butter in it.

Add your vanilla to you cream in a measuring cup and stir it together well. Add this mixture to your flour mixture and kneed the mixture together well with floured hands.

The next part is optional. I like to add in mini white chocolate chips and fresh berries. I find it makes the shortcakes even more m**st. If you do add these ingredients make sure to chop your strawberries into small pieces and to drain the liquid from them.

Next place large round drops of the batter onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 8-10 minutes. Ovens vary tremendously so keep an eye on them! They should look golden brown around the edges and a toothpick should come out clean. Be careful not to burn them.

To prepare your shortcakes:

Slice the shortcake in the middle. Add a thin layer of strawberries. Close your shortcake with the other half of the cake. Add a scoop of ice cream on top. Add several scoops of strawberries on top of that. Scoop some of the juices on last! That’s it! ENJOY!!! Nothing says spring like strawberry shortcake!