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(Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff) |
Makes 6
SHORTCAKES
| 1 1/2 | cups flour |
| 1/2 | cup cornmeal |
| 1/4 | cup sugar |
| 1 | tablespoon baking powder |
| 1/4 | teaspoon salt |
| 4 | tablespoons ( 1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces |
| 3/4 | cup heavy cream |
| Extra flour (for sprinkling) | |
| Extra heavy cream (for brushing) | |
| Extra sugar (for sprinkling) |
1. Set the oven at 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt to blend them. With a pastry blender or 2 blunt knives, work the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is the size of small peas. Add the cream and stir with a fork just until blended. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until the dough comes together. (Don’t overwork the dough.)
3. Roll the dough to a 3/4-inch thickness, about 7- or 7 1/2-inch square. Prick it all over with a fork. Cut the dough in half. Cut each half into thirds to make 6 shortcakes. Place the rectangles on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
4. Brush with extra cream and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 14 minutes or until golden. Cool on the sheet.
BERRIES AND CREAM
| 2 | pints local strawberries, hulled and halved |
| 3 | tablespoons granulated sugar |
| 2 | teaspoons lemon juice |
| 1 1/2 | cups heavy cream |
| Confectioners’ sugar (for sprinkling) | |
| Few sprigs fresh mint, leaves only (for garnish) |
1. In a bowl, gently toss the strawberries with the granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Cover and set aside for at least 1 hour.
2. In a cold bowl with cold beaters, beat the cream and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture holds soft peaks.
3. Slice the shortcakes in half like English muffins. Place a bottom on each of 6 plates. Spoon strawberries and their juices onto the cakes. Cover with a large spoonful of whipped cream, then the tops. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with mint leaves.
Lisa Zwirn. Adapted from Highland Kitchen 
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
