Strawberry Orange Shortcake

Forget the crocuses, when I start making these individual Strawberry-Orange Shortcakes, barbeque weather must be upon us! This is my favorite summer barbeque dessert and easy to make too. I've made these for large and small groups alike. It's also a great picnic dessert, as you can transport the biscuits, strawberries and whipped cream in sealed containers and assemble the individual desserts at your picnic site. I make several versions of this dessert and the addition of orange to the recipe is a very nice variation but if you prefer my original version, simply omit the orange zest and orange liqueur.

Begin by making a batch of Sweet Drop Biscuits which will be baked on a cookie sheet rather than crowded in a baking pan. I start these in my food processor because it is so fast but they can be made just as easily in a large bowl by cutting the butter in with a pastry blender or even 2 knifes held between the fingers.

In a food processor, combine:
1 ¾ cups flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder

Cut in:
½ cup very cold butter cut in cubes

Pulse process until this mixture resembles a coarse meal. It is very important that pea sized pieces of butter remain in this mixture. Transfer from processor to a large bowl.

Mix together:
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup milk

Pour over the dry ingredients and toss together lightly just until a soft dough forms. Do not over mix. Drop the dough in rounded tablespoons onto a parchment lined or silicone lined baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart leaving room for them to spread as they bake. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes or until evenly golden brown. Makes 1 dozen.

In a medium size bowl combine:

1 ½ pints fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
6 tablespoons sugar
zest of one small orange
2 ounces Cointreau liqueur (optional)

Toss together well, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand for about 2 hours, stiring occasionally. The sugar will cause the strawberries to begin to release their juice, combining to form a strawberry syrup.

Vanilla Whipped Cream
Beat together until firm peaks form:

1 cup whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp sugar
To assemble the dessert simply spoon the strawberries over a biscuit, top with strawberries and syrup, whipped cream and a second biscuit.